Summary
Highlights
Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 marked a significant shift in US politics. He campaigned directly to the American people and believed his election represented their interests, leading to a notable expansion of executive power, a departure from the traditional role of the president as a servant of Congress.
Jackson's presidency changed the way campaigns were run. With universal white male suffrage, he appealed directly to the common folk, unlike his opponent John Quincy Adams. Additionally, Jackson was the first president elected from the western frontier, symbolizing a geographical shift in electoral politics.
By the 1820s and 1830s, two rival political parties emerged: the Democrats, led by Andrew Jackson, advocating for a smaller federal government, and the Whigs, led by Henry Clay, who favored a stronger federal government involved in national banking and infrastructure projects.
Jackson expanded federal power during the nullification crisis of 1832-1833. Southern states, particularly South Carolina, opposed the 'tariff of abominations' (Tariff of 1828 and 1832), arguing it was unconstitutional. South Carolina issued an ordinance of nullification and threatened secession. Jackson responded by passing the Force Bill, asserting federal authority to collect taxes, ultimately leading to a compromise where tariffs were lowered.
Jackson further expanded federal power during the 'bank war' by vetoing the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States. He portrayed the bank as benefiting elites and harmed ordinary Americans. His veto, supported by common farmers and laborers, led to the bank's closure and the deposit of federal funds into state-loyal 'pet banks,' giving the president control over domestic economic policy.
Jackson's efforts to remove American Indians from their ancestral lands also expanded federal power. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced groups like the Cherokee to exchange their lands for territory west of the Mississippi. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Cherokee's sovereignty (Worcester v. Georgia), Jackson refused to enforce it, leading to the 'Trail of Tears'. Other tribes, like the Sock and Fox nations, resisted violently in events like the Blackhawk War of 1832.
Despite Jackson's tendency to expand federal power, there were instances of restraint. He opposed federally funded internal improvements like the Cumberland Road, believing them unconstitutional. He also exhibited caution regarding the annexation of Texas, delaying its admission to avoid war with Mexico and to prevent splitting his party over the slavery issue before the 1836 election.