What term refers to the "average" American citizen whose interests are represented in government?

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The term "Common Man" is often used to refer to the "average" American citizen, particularly in the context of early 19th-century American politics. This concept emerged prominently during the Jacksonian Era, when there was a significant shift towards greater democracy and broader participation in government. Advocates of the "Common Man" emphasized the need for the political system to reflect the interests and rights of ordinary citizens rather than just the elite or wealthy individuals.

This term embodies the idea that governance should be accessible and responsive to the general population, representing their needs and concerns. Political leaders, such as Andrew Jackson, promoted policies that favored the Common Man, highlighting a departure from aristocratic influences and hoping to empower working-class individuals.

The other terms do not capture this specific idea of representation of the average citizen in the same way. "Patriot" generally refers to individuals who supported American independence, while "Revolutionary" connotes those involved in broader political change or upheaval. "Everyman" also suggests an average person but lacks the specific historical context and political implications that categorizations like the "Common Man" invoke in relation to American democracy.

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