Democratizing the Old Dominion

Colonial Virginia \| American Revolution Civil War and Reconstruction \| Twentieth Century \| Virginia Political Leaders
Democratizing the Old Dominion
The democratization of politics during the following decades brought about many more changes. Political parties stimulated a broader participation in public life. Important public questions such as education, temperance, transportation, and slavery became focal points for political activity, debate, and other action. Some women took part in shaping public discussion on these and other important issues and thereby influenced the political life of Virginia although they could not vote.
	1828 First Congressional District presidential election ticket. Library of Virginia Broadside 1828 3440.

	With the adoption of a new state constitution in 1851, Virginians removed the property qualification for voting and permitted the voters-still only adult white men-to elect the governor, attorney general, judges, and local officials. More men could vote, more public offices were filled by elections, and modern political parties evolved in response to local, state, and national events.
Grand Rally of the Whigs of Augusta, on Wednesday & Thursday Next. 1844. The Library of Virginia, Broadside Acc. 1844W57.
Public participation in political events became a popular activity during the nineteenth century. That participation gave the population as a whole, including those who could not vote, opportunities to make known their opinions and to influence the course of public events. People who could not vote often attended political rallies, marched in election parades, and by their presence at other public events compelled political leaders to respond to public demands for improved schools, better transportation, or economic relief during hard times.
	1848 presidential election ticket. Library of Virginia Broadside 1848 S78.

	By the 1880s the inauguration of a new governor every fourth year had become a large outdoor civic ceremony in which the citizens shared in the installation of their chosen leaders.
1856 presidential election ticket. Library of Virginia Broadside 1856 D382.

Democratizing the Old Dominion Political Leaders
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