1. What did Alexis Tocqueville observe on his visit to the United States that reflected changes that were happening in the country during Jackson's administration?
A. a strict divide between rich and poor
B. a growing spirit of democracy and equality between classes **
C. a government that limited voting rights strictly to the wealthy
D. a growth in racial equality and increased rights for African Americans
B. a growing spirit of democracy and equality between classes
To find the answer to this question, we need to understand who Alexis Tocqueville was and what changes were happening in the United States during Jackson's administration.
1. Alexis Tocqueville was a French political thinker, historian, and writer who traveled to the United States in the 1830s to study its political and social systems.
2. During Jackson's presidency (1829-1837), there were significant changes occurring in the United States. This period, known as the Age of Jackson or Jacksonian Era, was characterized by the rise of popular democracy and an expansion of political participation.
Now, let's look at the given options:
A. A strict divide between rich and poor: Tocqueville did observe economic inequality in the United States, but it was not specific to Jackson's administration and was a more long-standing issue.
B. A growing spirit of democracy and equality between classes: This option aligns with the changes occurring during Jackson's administration. Tocqueville's observations highlighted the rise of political democracy, increased political participation by ordinary citizens, and a sense of equality among different social classes. This option seems to be the best answer.
C. A government that limited voting rights strictly to the wealthy: This option is not accurate. During Jackson's presidency, there was a significant expansion of voting rights, including the elimination of property ownership requirements for voting in many states.
D. A growth in racial equality and increased rights for African Americans: Unfortunately, this option is not accurate. The Jacksonian Era was marked by the expansion of slavery, rather than racial equality or increased rights for African Americans.
In conclusion, based on Alexis Tocqueville's observations during his visit to the United States, the option that reflects the changes happening in the country during Jackson's administration is B. - a growing spirit of democracy and equality between classes.