Andrew Jackson Democratic Style Analysis

JThe Extent of Andrew Jackson’s Democratic Styles Andrew Jackson is one of the most popular presidents in United States history. Although he is not remembered as greatly as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln,and Thomas Jefferson, he did make a lasting impact on the country. It did take him a while until he was elected president, for he lost the election of 1824 to John Quincy Adams. However, the following election in 1828 proved that the country thought Andrew Jackson was qualified to become president. One of the topics that convinced the people that Andrew Jackson would be a fantastic president was the democratic aspect of his campaign. Although he told the nation that he would promote states rights, the president ended up strengthening the national government instead of the state government. During his eight years of presidency, Andrew Jackson proved his

South Carolina had threatened to secede as a reaction to the Tariff of 1828. If Jackson was more democratic, he would have supported this uprising of states rights rather than degrade the idea of states rights. Furthermore, Andrew Jackson stated (in document L) “‘... I would hang the first man I could get my hands on.’” This is suggesting that Jackson is not favorable of the idea of states gaining more rights. However, one of the most notable qualities of the democratic party is that they support and promote states rights. It is not likely that a democratic man would say that he would kill a man from a state that is trying to gain more rights. Furthermore, Jackson goes on to say in Document L “‘...Everyone must see that the other State, in self-defense, must oppose secession at all costs.” This supports the idea that Andrew Jackson was not democratic because it is once again not likely that a democratic man would utter such words in reference to a state’s