First Body Paragraph: How Democratic Was Andrew Jackson?

In this assignment, you will write the first body paragraph of your multi-paragraph essay on the topic: How democratic was Andrew Jackson? You have already analyzed 8 DBQ documents related to three key issues during Jackson's presidency: the National Bank, the Spoils System, and the Indian Removal Act. Use evidence from these documents to support your argument in this paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1 - This should match with your first reason in your thesis statement.

Topic Sentence – Clearly state your argument for this paragraph.

• Purpose: The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph, connecting it to the thesis.
• Prompt:
  • What is your paragraph about? (National Bank, Spoils System, or Indian Removal Act?)
  • How does this topic relate to the question: How democratic was Andrew Jackson?

*This is one sentence.

Evidence (Context + Lead-In) # 1 – Provide background information to help the reader understand the evidence. Then, introduce and present a specific piece of evidence (a quote, statistic, or fact from your sources). Remember to use MLA formatting when referencing your documents.

• Purpose: Provide background/context and introduce the first piece of evidence.
• Prompt:
  • What was happening at the time that helps explain this policy/action?
  • Who was affected by this policy?
  • Where can you find direct evidence (a quote or example) to support your claim?

Commentary # 1 & # 2 – Explain what this evidence means. Answer the following:

• Purpose: Explain the meaning of the evidence and connect it to the argument.
• Prompt:
  • What does this evidence show about Jackson’s actions? (Explain what the evidence means)
  • How does it prove that his policy was democratic or undemocratic? (Connect your evidence to your claim/topic sentence)
  • Who was affected, and what was the impact? What is the impact of Jackson’s actions in this case?

Evidence # 2

• Purpose: Introduce a second piece of evidence to further support the argument.
• Prompt:
  • What is another example that supports your claim?
  • What happened as a result of Jackson’s policy?

Commentary # 2

• Purpose: Further analyze the second piece of evidence and strengthen the connection to the argument.
• Prompt:
  • What does this second piece of evidence show?
  • How does it reinforce your claim?
  • What were the consequences?

Concluding Sentence

• Purpose: Wrap up the paragraph and transition to the next argument.
• Prompt:
  • How does this paragraph connect to your next idea?
  • What is one final thought on this topic before moving on?

Now copy and paste everything together.