The Jacksonian Democrats during 1824 to 1840 succeeded in attacking and seeking out special privilege in American life, and much political power was given to the people. The Populists during 1890 to 1896 also attempted to attain power, but were not successful, due in part to ideas such as the "free silver" platform and racial controversy.
The Jacksonian Democrats were descendants of the Jeffersonian Democracy in that they opposed excessive government rule. They built on this idea and felt that the common people should have the power to directly govern themselves. After the Era of Good Feelings, strong political parties were formed, and participation of eligible voters rose from 25% in 1824 to 78% in 1840. The members of the Electoral College gradually became elected by voters, not by state legislatures, and the first nominating convention for the presidency was held in 1831. The success of the Jacksonian Democracy can be seen in the "Revolution of 1828," a nickname for the election of 1828, during which a large amount of voters came to the polls, proving that the common man had greater power than the traditional upper and middle classes. Control of the nation had, in a sense, shifted from the elite to the working class.
The Populists from 1890-1896 were not successful. The Populist Party formed out of a Farmer's Alliance in order to gain the ability to directly elect Senators, to establish a one-term limit for Presidents, and to allow the common people more power over legislation through the use of initiative and referendum. An abundance of strikes in 1892 strengthened the party because they realized that poor farmers and abused workers could join forces against capitalist order. Unfortunately, in the 1892 presidential election, the Populist nominee, General Weaver, failed to receive a large electoral majority. Soon controversy emerged in the party. While the Populists originally supported the Colored Farmer's National Alliance, many of the conservative white elite in the South opposed allowing blacks in the party.