Andrew Jackson's Presidency And Policies

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Andrew Jackson’s Presidency and Policies
In American history many acts of cruelty and or unjustified beliefs were acted upon. Some of these events were led by citizens and in some cases, such as the case of Andrew Jackson, led by presidents. Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States of America from 1829-1837.1 His presidency and policies, such as the Indian Removal Act, and his part in The Second Bank of the U.S and South Carolina’s Tariff, will be remembered for years. They consisted of such personal opinion and were so controversial few will ever forget.
Andrew Jackson first ran for president in 1824. His original attempt failed due to the popularity and victory of his opponent John Adams. He later claimed his own presidential victory in the election of 1829, gaining a majority of votes from the west and the south who were his great supporters. Jackson was first considered a president of the people because he supported the common man and nationalism.1
Jackson proved this belief through particular times in his presidency. He firmly believed that the Government should be restricted and become the “simple machine in which the constitution created';.1 He had a strong yet stubborn personality and for the most part began his presidential career as a well liked man. However, some Jackson supporters were not fully aware of his views and intentions. He was known for ignoring Supreme Court decisions and he vetoed twelve bills while in his two terms as U.S. President.2
Jackson did not fear the use and enforcement of violence to prove his points and acquire what he thought necessary. Public opinion was not a large concern of the seventh president either. Jackson usually sought to implement what he wanted personally rather than what may have been more beneficial for the country. For example, he was a slave owner. He also supported the ban of anti-slavery pamphlets in the mail.2
Many actions taken by Jackson did reinforce the new Jacksonian Democracy (an increase in popular participation in government).1 He also displayed strong goals for a strengthened national government and his actions were those of a great leader. He had no affliction with vetoing bills he did not lik...

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... fool.6 Others felt he was a dignified and courteous leader with a strong devotion to the “gentleman’s code.'; 1 At any rate, Jackson eventually retired to his hermitage and lived his life there. Still despised by some, he led his first choice for the presidential election of 1836, Martin Van Buren, to victory and his Jacksonian Democracy and polices will forever be remembered.
FOOTNOTES
1. Byrd, C. The Senate 1789-1989: The Senate Comes of Age 1829-1833.
U.S. History, 9/1/90
2. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition 1/1/93, Andrew Jackson.
Columbia University Press
3. Benedict, M.L. 1978, History : A Review Of the Indians,
Magazine of History 74: 48-68
4. Pessen, E 1949. Jackson’s Supporters? The South Carolina Story.
Harper and Rowe 34-38
5. How The Tribal Land Was Won , Life 4/5/93 pp.8. Time Inc.
6. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition,
Five civilized Tribes, 1/1/93
7. Tribal Lands Today, Indian Country, Lokota Times
6/15/98 pp. C-5
8. The Indian Removal Act, The Columbia Encyclopaedia ,
Columbia University Press. 1/1/93
9. Brandes, R. The Second Bank of the U.S. vol. 148
Town and Country Monthly 4/1/94 pp.92

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