Andrew Jackson's Abuse Of Power

Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States and was, arguably, the president that caused the most controversy. History shows Andrew Jackson overused his power yet, despite this, he was still well liked by the common men that elected him. Andrew Jackson used more veto power than all of his predecessors combined. He used his law making and veto power according to how he wanted the government to be perceived. At the time, Andrew Jackson was admired by many people. His laws represented the common man and were in line with what the citizens of America wanted, regardless of the actual effect on the economy and government. Despite the voter views, Andrew Jackson only acted according to his wants and how he thought government should

run. Andrew Jackson acted in a way that a democratic tyrant would act through his decision making, lack of regard for opposing viewpoints, and overuse of presidential power.
Andrew Jackson made quick decisions that benefitted his beliefs and views. Jackson fought against the national bank because he believed “The bank is trying to kill me, so I’m going to kill it!” He did not want this bank to bring him down or, in other words, kill him. Without looking at how the loss of the national bank would affect America, he fought against the recharter and won. Next, he attempted to shut down the bank before its four year charter was complete. The national bank went out of business and America was sent into a panic. This reaction was dubbed “The Panic of 1837.” Andrew Jackson, without thinking of future repercussions, shut down the national bank that was keeping America stable. Another instance of Jackson’s ignorant decision making skills, was shown when he fired his entire cabinet because their wives would not talk to Margaret Eaton (Peggy), because they believed that she had cheated on her previous husband. Jackson, having a personal connection to this topic, forced his cabinet to retire. He also replaced the second cabinet just as quickly when they refused to comply to his absurd and biased rules. These examples show just how rash and self-seeking Andrew Jackson was as a president.
Andrew Jackson had very specific ideas of how he thought the government should run and did not like listening to other opinions or making compromises. During the enforcement of Tariff of Abominations, South Carolina wanted to get permission to nullify the tariff. Jackson believed that the rules should be followed and no one could go around disregarding them or changing them at will. Even though this was the correct call for him as President, he did not listen to the reasoning behind why they did not want to pay this very large tax on foreign goods. Jackson was so closed off to their line of thinking. His political opposite, Henry Clay, had to create a Compromise Tariff that made the tax low enough for South Carolina to pay. Andrew Jackson also wanted to move the Cherokee (Seminole?) Indians in Florida to the Indian Territory. Jackson claimed that he was protecting the Native Americans from the whites in Florida that were out to exterminate them. The Cherokee fought this movement in the court system. They made it to the Supreme Court, where Chief Justice John Marshall ruled in their favor. This gave the Cherokee Indians the right to keep their land. Andrew Jackson completely ignored Marshall’s ruling. He removed the Cherokee Indians from their land. Andrew Jackson did not listen to the opinions of others and was clouded by his personal feelings and viewpoints. Because of this narrow minded thinking, he was an inefficient leader.
Andrew Jackson overused his power as President to overrule decisions that other powerful people in government made.

For example, as previously stated, Chief Justice John Marshall ruled against the Cherokee Indians getting removed from their land and forced into present day Oklahoma. Andrew Jackson used his presidential power to overrule on this decision. He removed the Cherokee Indians and sent them on the devastating Trail of Tears, all the while claiming he was looking out for their best interest. Andrew Jackson abused his vetoing power, making use of it more than all the previous presidents combined. This showed his inability to listen to his advisors and to other prominent political figures, a trait very important in a president. In this way, President Jackson exploits his power and authority. Jackson was given the power designated to a president and he truly did use that power, albeit irresponsibly, to the fullest of his ability. By overusing his power, Jackson profoundly showed the characteristics of a democratic

tyrant.
Andrew Jackson was appreciated by many of the common citizens.

It was a true stroke of luck that they appreciated his views and choices during his presidency. Without them agreeing, he would have been seen as a bad president. In hindsight, many did see the damage he caused with his reckless indifference to the needs and opinions of others. No matter what the common folk believed or wanted, Jackson would have still acted upon his own beliefs and opinions. Although his actions were appreciated but his fellow Jacksonian Democrats, he was, in fact, a democratic tyrant through his choices, lack of regard for opposing viewpoints, and overuse of his presidential

power.