Decision

Definition

A decision is a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration. In the context of the period involving Jackson and federal power, decisions often revolved around significant political actions that impacted the balance of authority between state and federal governments. These choices played a crucial role in shaping policies, defining the limits of federal power, and influencing the relationship between government entities and citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andrew Jackson's presidency was marked by a series of controversial decisions that expanded executive power, including his veto of the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States.
2. The decision to enforce the Indian Removal Act led to the forced migration of thousands of Native Americans, culminating in the tragic Trail of Tears.
3. Jackson's administration faced a significant decision regarding tariffs, which led to tensions with South Carolina and their assertion of nullification as a response.
4. The concept of 'majority rule' became central to Jackson's vision, as he believed decisions should reflect the will of the majority rather than an elite ruling class.
5. Jackson's decisions often illustrated a clash between federal authority and states' rights, particularly in issues like banking, tariffs, and territorial expansion.

Review Questions

• How did Andrew Jackson’s decisions reflect his beliefs about executive power?
  • Andrew Jackson's decisions demonstrated his belief in a strong executive branch, often acting unilaterally to implement policies. For instance, his veto of the Second Bank's recharter showcased his willingness to challenge established institutions he viewed as detrimental to the common man. This approach often bypassed congressional input, reflecting his commitment to an active presidency that could make decisive moves on behalf of the people.
• Evaluate the impact of Jackson's decision regarding the Indian Removal Act on Native American communities.
  • The decision to implement the Indian Removal Act had devastating consequences for Native American communities. It led to their forced relocation from ancestral lands, resulting in suffering and loss of life during journeys like the Trail of Tears. This decision not only disrupted their traditional ways of life but also set a precedent for future government policies that marginalized indigenous populations and disregarded their rights.
• Analyze how the tensions created by decisions made during Jackson's presidency influenced later political conflicts in the United States.
  • The decisions made during Jackson's presidency, particularly regarding issues like nullification and state versus federal power, laid the groundwork for future political conflicts. The South's resistance to federal tariffs reflected deeper divisions that would later manifest in discussions around slavery and states' rights. This pattern of conflict over federal authority versus state autonomy ultimately contributed to heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War, demonstrating how early decisions shaped America's political landscape.

Related terms

Nullification:

The theory that states have the right to invalidate any federal law they deem unconstitutional.

Jacksonian Democracy:

A political movement during the presidency of Andrew Jackson that emphasized greater democracy for the common man and was characterized by a strong presidency.

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River.