Monday, September 4, 2017

Describe Andrew Jackson’s major beliefs regarding democracy, the presidency, and the proper role of government in the nation’s economy. What was Jackson’s response to the nullification crisis? Analyze Jackson’s legacy regarding the status of Indians in American society. In your opinion, what were the strengths and weaknesses of Jackson’s transformational presidency?

Andrew Jackson was the namesake of Jacksonian democracy, a mid-nineteenth century current in American political thought that sought to broaden participation in government through expanded franchise. This was achieved by the abolition of property requirements for voting, as well as absolute obedience to majoritarianism (going so far as to demand the replacement of even minor bureaucrats following each new government taking power).
Jackson was liberal in his use of executive power, frequently applying the veto to legislation enacted by Congress. In keeping with his populist view of diffusing power to the masses, Jackson opposed the Second Bank of the United States as a centralizing force and was skeptical of the value of a national debt, taking steps to see that it was paid off.
When South Carolina threatened to ignore federal tariff laws, Jackson issued the "Nullification Proclamation" declaring that state's so-called nullification ordinances void.
In respect of Native Americans, Jackson is best—and most critically—remembered for his support of the Indian Removal Act, which into effect an idea he had long supported: removal of American Indians west of the Mississippi River.
During his eight years in office, Andrew Jackson—for better or worse—delivered on his promises and charted a undeniably effective course of decisive action. However, these actions often came at the expense of deliberative government and occurred through the use of the raw power of the presidency to push through his will.
https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/nullification.html

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/andrew-jackson/

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