Andrew Jackson - Jacksonian Democracy PDF

Jacksonian Democracy The Presidency of Andrew Jackson Early Life Childhood and Orphanhood: Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region, on the border between North and South Carolina. His father died before he was born, and his mother died during the Revolutionary...

Jacksonian Democracy The Presidency of Andrew Jackson Early Life Childhood and Orphanhood: Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region, on the border between North and South Carolina. His father died before he was born, and his mother died during the Revolutionary War when he was around 14. Education Jackson received minimal Jackson worked as a teacher, formal education. studied law, and became a self-taught lawyer. Despite limited schooling, he He gained a reputation for his developed a keen interest in involvement in duels and reading and self-education. brawls, establishing himself as a man of honor and determination.  Military Service War of 1812: Revolutionary War Service: Battle of New Orleans (1815): Jackson became a national hero after leading American forces to Youthful Involvement: As a teenager during the victory against the British in the Battle of New Revolutionary War, Jackson served as a courier and Orleans. was captured by British forces. Increased National Recognition: The success at Impact: His experiences during the war fueled a lifelong resentment against the British. New Orleans significantly elevated Jackson's national profile. Tennessee Militia and Creek War: Florida Campaigns: Military Career Begins: Jackson's military career took off when he became a member of the Seminole War: Jackson's military campaigns in Tennessee militia. Florida aimed at addressing border conflicts and Creek War (1813-1814): He achieved fame for his suppressing Seminole resistance. victories against the Creek Nation, notably at the Capture of Pensacola: In 1818, he captured the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Spanish outpost of Pensacola, raising international tensions.  Leadership Style and Politics Political Uses: Jackson's military achievements, especially at New Orleans, were crucial in shaping his image during his presidential campaigns. Nicknames: His military exploits earned him nicknames like "Old Hickory" and "Hero of New Orleans." Military Leadership Style: Jackson's military success was marked by a tough and aggressive leadership style. National Recognition: His military victories contributed significantly to his popularity and eventual political success. The Corrupt Bargain Election of 1824 Election of 1824 Candidates Andrew Jackson: War hero and populist candidate. Won the popular vote but did not secure a majority in the electoral college. John Quincy Adams: Son of former President John Adams. Received fewer popular and electoral votes than Jackson. Henry Clay: Speaker of the House and influential political figure. Eliminated in the electoral college vote but retained significant political power.  Problems in the Election of 1824 House of Representatives: The Constitution mandated that if no candidate secured a majority in the electoral college, the House of Representatives would decide the election. Think back to Election of 1800 w/ Jefferson and Burr The winner needed 131 electoral votes to win the Presidency  Corrupt Bargain The Alleged Deal: Accusations of a Bargain: Rumors circulated that Criticism and Backlash: a behind-the-scenes deal had been struck Outcry from Jackson Supporters: between Adams and Clay before the House vote. Clay's Influence: As Speaker of the House, Clay Jackson and his supporters cried foul, threw his support behind Adams. alleging a "corrupt bargain" between Adams and Clay. Adams Elected: Impact on Legitimacy: The accusations House Vote: Adams was elected president by the damaged the perceived legitimacy of House of Representatives. Adams' presidency. Appointment of Clay: Adams appointed Clay as his Secretary of State, a position often seen as a stepping stone to the presidency. The Election of 1828 Jackson becomes President Key Issues Corrupt Bargain Narrative Jackson's supporters framed the 1824 election as a "corrupt bargain" between Adams and Henry Clay, who became Adams' Secretary of State. Allegations of a backroom deal damaged Adams' presidency. Rise of Democratic-Republicans Jacksonian Democracy emerged as a political movement emphasizing the interests of the common man. Expansion of voting rights to non-landowners increased voter participation. Campaign Dynamics Personal Attacks Adams portrayed as an elitist, while Jackson faced personal attacks on his marriage and military actions. Negative campaigning characterized the election. Populism vs. Establishment Jackson positioned as a champion of the common people. Adams seen as representative of the political elite. Appeal to the West Jackson's appeal to western voters, emphasizing frontier values and westward expansion, was instrumental. Significance of the Election Shift in Political Landscape: End of the Era of Good Feelings: The election highlighted the The election marked the end of changing nature of American the perceived era of political politics, with the emergence harmony following the War of of two distinct political 1812. parties: Democrats and National Republicans. Jacksonian Democracy: Impact on Future Elections: Andrew Jackson's presidency The contentious nature of the ushered in the era of Jacksonian 1828 election set a precedent Democracy, characterized by for the increasingly increased voter participation and competitive and partisan emphasis on the presidency. nature of future presidential campaigns.  Vocabulary Mudslinging refers to the practice of making "Common Man" refers to the ordinary malicious and often unfounded attacks citizens or the general populace, against an opponent's character, integrity, or emphasizing the idea that political leaders reputation, especially during political should represent and champion the campaigns. interests of the average person rather than The Spoils System, also known as the a privileged elite. patronage system, is a practice in politics where elected officials appoint their supporters, friends, and political allies to government positions, often as a reward for their loyalty and support during the election.  Jackson’s Inauguration The inauguration drew an unprecedented crowd, with thousands of ordinary citizens attending. Jackson positioned himself as the champion of the common man, and his inauguration aimed to reflect this populist image. The event was advertised as an open invitation to all citizens, reinforcing Jackson's commitment to inclusivity. The informal gathering turned chaotic, with a large and enthusiastic crowd overwhelming the venue. The Spoils System  The Spoils System The spoils system, also known as patronage, was a controversial political practice in the United States during the 19th century, notably associated with the presidency of Andrew Jackson (1829–1837). The system involved appointing individuals to government positions based on their loyalty to the winning political party rather than their qualifications or merit. Positives Political Participation Rotation in Office The spoils system aimed to increase Advocates believed that frequent political participation by rewarding loyal turnover in government positions supporters with government jobs. This would prevent the development of a encouraged individuals to actively engage permanent bureaucratic class, in the political process. ensuring that average citizens had Democratic Ideals the opportunity to serve. Supporters argued that the spoils system Party Loyalty aligned with democratic ideals, asserting Jackson's proponents viewed the that government positions should be spoils system as a way to strengthen party loyalty, fostering a open to citizens irrespective of their sense of unity and commitment social or economic status. among party members. Negatives Corruption and Inefficiency: Unqualified Appointments: argued that the spoils system led to The spoils system often resulted in corruption and inefficiency as individuals appointing individuals who lacked the without the necessary skills or experience expertise required for their roles, were appointed to important government potentially harming the effectiveness of positions. government agencies. Undermining Meritocracy: Political Favoritism: Opponents contended that the system Critics argued that the system undermined the concept of a merit-based perpetuated political favoritism, with government, where appointments should positions awarded based on personal be made based on an individual's relationships and political allegiance qualifications and expertise. rather than on merit. Nullification Crisis Background The Nullification Crisis emerged in At the heart of the crisis was the the early 1830s as a result of the doctrine of nullification, tariff policies, particularly the Tariff championed by John C. Calhoun. of Abominations, which imposed This theory asserted that high duties on imported goods. individual states had the right to Southern states, feeling unfairly declare federal laws burdened, voiced strong opposition unconstitutional within their to these tariffs, setting the stage borders, posing a direct for a constitutional and political challenge to the authority of the showdown. federal government. South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification In 1832, South Carolina took a bold step South Carolina is going to threaten secession by issuing the Ordinance of and it would not be the final time. Nullification, declaring the federal tariffs null (having no legal or binding force; invalid.) and void within the state. Marked a significant escalation in the conflict and raised questions about the balance of power between the states and the federal government. Jackson’s Response & Compromise The Nullification Crisis was President Andrew Jackson vehemently ultimately defused through a series opposed nullification and asserted the of compromises. supremacy of the federal government. The Compromise Tariff of 1833, In response to South Carolina's proposed by Henry Clay, gradually actions, he issued the Nullification reduced tariffs, easing tensions. Proclamation, firmly declaring that Additionally, Congress passed the states did not have the right to reject Force Bill, giving Jackson the federal laws and threatening military intervention to enforce federal authority to use military force if authority. necessary, although it was not ultimately employed.  Trail of Tears Forced Native American Removal  Indian Removal Act Enacted into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. The early 19th century saw increasing conflict between Native American tribes and white settlers as westward expansion accelerated. The Indian Removal Act emerged as a controversial policy aimed at resolving territorial disputes. Indian Removal Act (cont.) Voluntary Relocation: Tribes were encouraged The federal government promised to voluntarily exchange their ancestral lands for territory in the West. The federal government compensation to tribes for their would provide financial and logistical support lands and assistance in establishing for the relocation process. new territories in the West. Forced Removal Authority: If tribes resisted or refused to relocate voluntarily, the Act granted the president the authority to use military force to compel their removal. Georgia Tries to Remove Natives Worcester v. Georgia: Supreme Court Decision: The legal battle against removal In Worcester v. Georgia, Chief Justice reached the U.S. Supreme Court in John Marshall ruled that Georgia's the case of Worcester v. Georgia extension of state law over Cherokee (1832). territory was unconstitutional. Samuel Worcester, a missionary He declared that only the federal living with the Cherokee, government, not states, had the challenged the state of Georgia's authority to regulate activities on authority to regulate Native American Cherokee lands. affairs.  Why? Jackson’s Reaction The discovery of gold in Georgia and the desire for more agricultural land increased pressure on Native President Andrew Jackson, famously American territories, leading to dismissive of the Court's decision, conflicts and demands for their reportedly said, "John Marshall has removal. made his decision; now let him enforce it." Jackson proceeded with the removal of the Cherokee despite the As the Supreme Court uses its Court's ruling. power of Judicial Review, Jackson goes against the Supreme Jackson ignores this by stepping Court, showing is stretch of Federal on the constitution and doing it Authority anyway Trail of Tears Journey In 1838, under military Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole supervision, approximately Tribes 16,000 Cherokees were forcibly removed from their homes. These tribes also faced forced removals, The journey, known as the Trail often referred to as the Trail of Tears, as of Tears, covered over 1,000 they were relocated to designated miles and resulted in the deaths territories in the West. of thousands due to harsh conditions, exposure, and disease. By the Numbers The combined numbers from all tribes affected by the Indian Removal policies of the 1830s would likely exceed 50,000 individuals. The journey on the Trail of Tears resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans, with estimates ranging from 15% to 25% of the total population forced to relocate. Jackson’s Bank War Jackson’s Distrust in Banks Jackson, a staunch opponent of centralized banking, believed that the Second Bank favored the wealthy elite at the expense of the common people. He viewed the bank as an unconstitutional institution that concentrated too much power in the hands of a few. Veto of the Bank’s Charter (1832) In 1832, Henry Clay and Daniel Jackson took bold action to Webster, advocates for the undermine the bank's influence by directing his Secretary of the bank, proposed a recharter bill Treasury, Roger B. Taney, to remove to extend the bank's charter. federal deposits from the bank. Jackson vetoed the bill, The funds were distributed to arguing that the bank was a state-chartered banks, known as "pet threat to democracy and an banks," which were perceived to be more aligned with Jackson's engine of corruption. economic vision.  Impact, Legacy, and Controversy Impact Controversy The removal of federal deposits contributed to a Critics argue that Jackson's actions surge in economic speculation, known as the contributed to economic instability, and "Bank War Bubble," which eventually led to the his use of executive power in the Bank Panic of 1837 and an economic downturn. War set a precedent for future presidents. Legacy The debate over the bank's role in the economy and the appropriate balance Despite the economic challenges that followed the of power continued to shape political Bank War, Jackson's presidency is often discussions long after Jackson's presidency. associated with the expansion of executive power and the popularization of a more democratic form of politics.  Jackson’s Vetoes Andrew Jackson used the presidential veto power more frequently than any of his predecessors COMBINED at the time. He issued a total of 12 vetoes during his presidency. This shows the flex of Presidential Power  What is a “Veto?” A veto is a power that allows the President to reject a decision or proposal. In the United States, the president has the power to veto bills passed by Congress. The president's veto power is outlined in Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution. The president can veto a bill if they believe it is unconstitutional, unjust, or unwise. Congress can override a veto if both the Senate and the House of Representatives pass the bill again with a two-thirds majority. (66.7%) If the president doesn't sign or veto a bill within 10 days, it becomes law, unless Congress adjourns before the 10 days are up. This is called a "pocket veto". The veto power is an example of the separation of powers and checks and balances in the US Constitution.  Jackson vs “The Rest” Grover Cleveland: 584 Vetoes FDR: 635 Vetoes Harry Truman: 250 Vetes George W. Bush: 12 Vetoes Donald Trump: 10 Vetoes Barack Obama: 3 Vetoes Joe Biden: 13 Vetoes Abraham Lincoln: 7 Vetoes JFK: 21 Vetoes Washington: 2 Vetoes Monroe: 1 Veto Jefferson: 0 Vetoes Andrew Jackson: 12 Vetoes Spoils System Gone Bad Louis McLane (1831): Initially appointed as Secretary of the These events are indicative of Jackson's Treasury. approach to cabinet members who did not However, Jackson wanted to remove federal align with his policies. The dismissals deposits from the Second Bank of the United were part of a broader pattern of States, and McLane was reluctant to comply. McLane was eventually appointed as personnel changes during Jackson's Secretary of State. presidency, reflecting his commitment to William J. Duane (1833): placing loyal supporters in key Appointed as Secretary of the Treasury after government positions. McLane. Like McLane, Duane opposed Jackson's plan to remove federal deposits from the bank. Jackson dismissed Duane from the cabinet due to his refusal to carry out the removal.