Jackson's policies

Definition

Jackson's policies refer to the political actions and decisions made by Andrew Jackson during his presidency from 1829 to 1837, which emphasized a strong executive branch and the promotion of democratic ideals while often challenging established institutions. These policies included the implementation of the Indian Removal Act, opposition to the Bank of the United States, and efforts to expand suffrage, all of which showcased a shift towards populism and greater federal power under Jackson's leadership.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jackson's policies marked a significant shift toward a more democratic government, promoting the idea that the common man should have more influence in politics.
2. The Indian Removal Act resulted in the tragic displacement of thousands of Native Americans, leading to events like the Trail of Tears, which caused immense suffering and loss of life.
3. Jackson believed that the Second Bank of the United States represented an elite institution that threatened individual liberties and state rights, leading him to veto its recharter.
4. The implementation of the Spoils System under Jackson led to widespread patronage, changing how government jobs were distributed and often leading to inefficiency and corruption.
5. Jackson's presidency is often viewed as a defining moment for the expansion of federal power, as he frequently used his veto power and took bold actions that shaped future presidential authority.

Review Questions

• How did Jackson's policies reflect a change in American political culture during his presidency?
  • Jackson's policies reflected a significant change in American political culture by shifting power from established elites to the common citizen. He championed expanded suffrage for white males and utilized populist rhetoric that resonated with many Americans who felt excluded from political power. This democratization process also included challenging institutions like the Second Bank, emphasizing a more direct relationship between government and citizens.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Indian Removal Act on Native American tribes and U.S. society during Jackson's presidency.
  • The Indian Removal Act had devastating consequences for Native American tribes, resulting in forced relocations that led to significant loss of life, particularly during events like the Trail of Tears. For U.S. society, these actions revealed deep-seated issues surrounding race and land ownership while also contributing to westward expansion. The policy exemplified Jackson's commitment to his vision of American progress but at an enormous human cost.
• Analyze how Jackson's opposition to the Second Bank influenced economic policy in subsequent administrations and its long-term effects on American banking.
  • Jackson's fierce opposition to the Second Bank set a precedent for future economic policies by promoting skepticism towards centralized financial institutions. His decision to dismantle the bank led to a period of unstable banking practices and contributed to the Panic of 1837. This legacy shaped economic discourse in America for years, influencing how banking systems were developed and regulated in subsequent decades, ultimately affecting America's economic landscape significantly.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act:

A law enacted in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.

Bank War: The political struggle in the 1830s between President Andrew Jackson and supporters of the Second Bank of the United States, culminating in Jackson's successful campaign to dismantle the bank.

Spoils System:

A practice initiated by Jackson where government jobs were awarded to political supporters, promoting loyalty over experience in federal appointments.