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By the 1820s, most adult white men can vote in most states. Jackson convinces the common (white male) citizen, that their voice matters. You have a say and should have a say. This is not Hamilton of JQA’s America where the elite governs the mob. This is a party, and potentially a nation, of the people. Jackson says, “ I’ll protect you from Washington.” He said, “Only an outsider like me can fix the mess.” Didn’t say drain the swamp, but may as well have.
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Jackson, a Democrat, successfully managed his public image, a relatively new concept. The public knew him as a war hero and a man of the people. His opponent, John Quincy Adams, represented to many the old-guard elite. Jackson crushed Adams in the popular vote, winning the election. -
Four major issues of Jackson's presidency: Spoils system Indian removal Tariff Bank
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A punishingly high tariff designed not to pass but did. -
A system of patronage and nepotism Jackson used to reward and protect his political allies. Became controversial in his second term. -
Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, forcing the relocation of thousands of Native Americans. Known as the "Trail of Tears -
Biddle was celebrated as a genius who had stabilized America's banking system after the Panic of 1819, but Jackson still did not trust the Bank of the US. When re-elected in 1832, Jackson refused to sign bank's renewed charter. -
Calhoun rejected Jackson's tariff: "IF the states came to gather and formed a voluntary compact, then, yes, the states can decide the validity of federal law, but, if a state determines that a law is unconstitutional, it can nullify the law. They can say it’s null and void and not follow.”