Andrew Jackson and Presidency 1829-1837

Election of 1828: People’s President Jackson translates military success into political victory Voting base jumps from 355,000 to 1.1 million Admiration from common man Achievements from hard work, not social standing Stubborn and confident

Spoils System Believed in loyalty and support Rewarded those most loyal Government positions available to common man Benefits? Drawbacks?

Veto Power a constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law- making body. Used sparingly with the first 6 presidents

New Electoral System Eliminated caucuses, established nominating conventions Difference between caucus and nominating convention (Page 268) Today’s democrats and republicans use Jackson’s example

2nd National Bank Jackson believed the bank was a monopoly Like Jefferson, he thought the bank was unconstitutional Jackson pulled all government deposits from the bank and put them in state banks

Nullification Background S.C. was struggling economically No local industry, forced to buy from others English goods had a huge tariff, why? Forced S.C. into debt

Nullification Tariff increases, S.C. refuses to pay, debates secession V.P. John Calhoun introduces nullification State could declare federal law unconstitutional, strike it down

Hayne vs. Webster Nullification boils over into Senate Hayne (nullification) vs. Webster (Union) Federalist? Republican?

Dinner Debate Jackson at Presidential dinner – “The Union, it must be preserved.” Calhoun - “The Union – next to our liberty, most dear.” Can a state nullify a federal law?

It Continues S.C. refuses to budge Jackson calls down the Navy to Charleston Congress lowers tariffs temporarily, and situation diffuses

Native American Policy Jackson’s intention to move all Indians to the Great Plains Indian Removal Act of 1830 Offered money to tribes willing to leave

Supreme Court Cherokees hired lawyers, sue Georgia Chief Justice Marshall ruled in favor of the Cherokees, Jackson did not obey. “Marshall has made his opinion, let him enforce it.”

Forced Migration Van Buren is the one to enact the migration 2,000 dead in camps 2,000 dead on trail

Whigs vs. Jackson’s Democrats Large, federal gov’t. Industrial and commercial development. Centralized economy Jackson’s Democrats Limited federal gov’t Distrusted industrial and commercial business

Whigs’ Failed Attempts Lose election: 1836 Democrat Martin Van Buren wins election of 1836 Whig William Henry Harrison wins election of 1840 but dies 32 days into his term VP John Tyler takes over in 1841. “His Accidency”