Andrew Jackson

Definition

Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837, and is known for his influence on the electoral process and the development of American democracy. His presidency marked a shift towards greater participation by the common man in politics, exemplified by the rise of populism and changes in voting laws. Jackson's approach to governance emphasized a strong executive branch and the idea of majority rule, which significantly shaped the American political landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Jackson was a military hero before his presidency, notably gaining fame for his victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
2. He was known for his strong opposition to the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as an institution that favored the elite at the expense of ordinary citizens.
3. Jackson's presidency saw significant reforms in the electoral process, including the expansion of suffrage to more white males by eliminating property requirements.
4. His use of the veto power set a precedent for future presidents, as he used it more frequently than any of his predecessors.
5. Jackson's legacy remains controversial; while he is celebrated for promoting democracy, he also faced criticism for his policies towards Native Americans and his support for slavery.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Jackson’s presidency contribute to the evolution of democratic practices in America?
  • Andrew Jackson’s presidency marked a significant shift in American democracy as he championed broader participation in politics by advocating for expanded suffrage among white men. He believed that government should be responsive to the will of the majority, which encouraged ordinary citizens to engage more actively in political life. This period saw changes in voting laws that eliminated property requirements, thereby allowing a larger segment of the population to vote and have a say in governance.
• Discuss how Andrew Jackson's views on the Second Bank of the United States reflected his populist beliefs and impacted the electoral process.
  • Andrew Jackson's vehement opposition to the Second Bank of the United States illustrated his populist beliefs that prioritized the interests of everyday Americans over those of financial elites. He viewed the bank as an institution that concentrated power and wealth among a select few, which resonated with many voters who felt disenfranchised. By successfully dismantling the bank during his presidency, Jackson solidified his image as a champion for common people and transformed political discourse surrounding economic policy and reform.
• Evaluate Andrew Jackson's legacy regarding his impact on both democratic expansion and controversial policies such as Indian removal.
  • Andrew Jackson's legacy is complex; he is often credited with expanding democracy through increased voter participation among white males and strengthening presidential power. However, this expansion came at a great cost, particularly with his Indian Removal policies, which forcibly displaced Native American tribes from their lands. This duality raises critical questions about how democracy was defined during Jackson's era, as his actions favored certain populations while oppressing others. The contradictions in his legacy continue to spark debate about what it means to lead in a democratic society.

Related terms

Democratic Party: The political party founded by supporters of Andrew Jackson in the 1820s, which promoted a platform of populism, agrarian interests, and states' rights.

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 during Jackson's presidency that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.

Nullification Crisis: A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government during Jackson's presidency over tariffs that the state deemed unconstitutional, showcasing the tensions between state and federal authority.