Which of the following is an

accurate comparison of
Adams and Jackson?
Adams supported
efforts to promote the
growth of businesses,
while Jackson
supported efforts to
help the ordinary man.
Jackson supported the
idea of high tariffs to
increase revenue, but
Adams wanted to end
high tariffs.
Adams had strong
support from the rural
areas in the South and
West, but Jackson’s
strongest supporters
were from the North.
Jackson wanted to
improve the territory
already under the
control of the U.S., but
Adams wanted to
expand territory to the
Pacific Ocean

1 answer

The most accurate comparison of Adams and Jackson from the options provided is:

Adams supported efforts to promote the growth of businesses, while Jackson supported efforts to help the ordinary man.

John Quincy Adams is often associated with a vision of economic growth that included support for business and infrastructure projects, such as roads and canals. In contrast, Andrew Jackson is known for championing the rights and interests of the "common man," including his opposition to the economic elite and the Bank of the United States, as well as his support for westward expansion that favored ordinary citizens.

The other statements contain inaccuracies:

  • Jackson did not generally support high tariffs; he actually opposed them in certain cases and recognized the concerns they raised in Southern states.
  • Adams, particularly during his presidency, actually had strong support from parts of the North, especially New England, while Jackson's base of support was more focused on the South and West.
  • Both Adams and Jackson had visions for territorial expansion, but Jackson was more aligned with the ethos of Manifest Destiny which sought to expand to the Pacific Ocean, while Adams’s approach was more measured.