Age Of Jackson Dbq

For the first time in American history, a presidential election was the focus of public attention. Jackson's election in 1828 marked a new direction in American politics. Jackson’s early presidency was unlike many others because his general vision was to bring American people into the presidency. The Age of Jackson was the widespread desire for equality of opportunity, born of the conviction that no one should have special privileges at the expense of anyone else (pg. 132). He had faith in the American people to know what is in the best interest of the nation. He spoke on behalf of ordinary people and against established elites. The Age of Jackson is a period in history referred to as the rise of political democracy in America through the creation of the Democrat party. President Andrew Jacksons goal was to reform the government by reestablishing the Spoils System, where he fired anyone that was not a loyal Democrat and replaced them with new federal workers for partisan reasons. Jacksonians’ believed that the role of the government was to fulfill the country’s destiny by looking after the economic

Jackson relied on talented businessmen, rather than party elites, to serve in the government. When South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union over a tariff, Jackson made clear that secession meant war. Andrew Jackson signed into effect the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced all natives to relocate west of the Mississippi River. Million acres of traditional Indian lands were cleared under this law. His policies that forced the Cherokee nation out of its land directly led to the Trail of Tears. The Jacksonian Democrats' actions were unconstitutional but he did it anyway. Jackson successfully vetoed twelve bills in eight years, including the Bank Recharter Bill. His message to Congress was that a president should reject any bill he felt would injure the