Prior To The Presidency Of Andrew Jackson example essay topic

The Jacksonian Era (1824-1848) Although the "Age of Jackson" wasn't a time era, which brought forth a great political, social, or economic freedom and equality to the U.S., it did in fact put our country through a metamorphosis in our political lives of the nation. The start of a new presidency (Jackson's presidency) was accompanied by huge numbers of Hickory ites (Jacksonian supporters) and official hopefuls. Many of these hopefuls were granted their desire of holding office, which is one of the changes brought into Washington by Andrew Jackson. The major accomplishments of Jackson during his presidency pertain to his rural upbringing and democratic beliefs. To name a couple of Jackson's memorable accomplishments and decisions not only politically, but economically were his nationalization of the spoils system, the Tariff of Abominations, his presidency in general, the Indian Policy, and his democratic views and ways of governing the nation. Prior to the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the system of appointing officials was under the "ideal of holding office during good behavior", which led to the holding of positions by aged and incapable politicians who were not properly qualified for the tasks and jobs needed to be carried out.

On the other hand, Jackson had appointed officials from all walks of life to promote the equality principles of democracy. Jackson also advocated "rotation in office", which meant allow as many people serve in office for the shortest possible time for experience was discounted as a governing skill. Although these principles seem to follow the guidelines of democracy they were not entirely responsible and often the appointment of officials did not fall under these jurisdictions. The selection of officials of Jackson was in many cases the return of a financial grant during campaigning.

The consideration of the ability to govern, have intelligence and responsibility etc. were ignored in the wake of compensation. Although opposites alike were granted power they were not always for the continuance of democracy. Jackson was the most democratic of any president at that time to come to power. In practically all areas of political application there was the existence of liberal thinking. This was especially apparent in his previously mentioned appointment of officials.

Jackson considered the roles of officials fairly simple and could and should be carried out by all people not just the members of the socially and intellectually elite. The belief of complete equality is with out a doubt Jacksonian. Despite this already democratic view, Jackson took it one step further and appointed the illiterate and plain incompetent members of society to office. Tariffs plagued the president also many times, but the most remembered were the "Tariff of Abominations" in 1828, and the tariff of 1832. South Carolina passed an Ordinance of Nullification, and upset Jackson tremendously. They stated that those tariffs were null and void to South Carolina, and it would be unlawful to collect for duties.

They also had the nerve to warn the federal government that if they tried to coerce the state into compliance it would be useless, and if force were used they would totally secede from the Union and start a separate government. Jackson commented immediately to this article and told the South Carolinians that this would fall under treason to the Union and death was the penalty. He also said, "The Constitution "forms a government, not a league. A single nation was formed to which the states surrendered parts of sovereignty in becoming parts of a nation".

No other states sided with South Carolina and opposed their threats of secession. That ended the case with South Carolina. In 1830 the Indian Removal Act provided for federal enforcement of that process. President Jackson refused to carry out the Supreme Courts decision that supported the claim in its decision in Worcester vs. Georgia.

Consequently, the result was the Trail of Tears, which is known as the forced march of thousands of Cherokees to the West under the U.S. army escorts. Andrew Jackson was like no President that America has ever had in office. He opened many doors to our country, and led it through a transformation of political life for our nation that no other country in the world had ever witnessed. Through all of these decisions and governing could Andrew Jackson have led a presidency said to have been the "age of common man.".