Overview
This lecture covers Andrew Jackson's presidency, focusing on his election's significance, key presidential actions, and major controversies.
Jackson’s Election and Significance
- Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 marked the first president from a western state.
- The 1828 election was the first where all states used popular voting to choose electors.
- Jackson’s election was viewed by many as a “second revolution” in American politics.
Jackson’s Inaugural Address and Views on Union
- Jackson emphasized the importance of national unity in his inaugural address.
- He warned that breaking up the Union would threaten liberty, peace, and prosperity.
- Jackson believed internal divisions would lead to conflict, economic hardship, and loss of freedom.
Expansion of Presidential Powers
- Jackson was a strong president who expanded executive power.
- He used the veto power extensively, including the first use of the "pocket veto."
- The pocket veto allows the president to prevent a bill from becoming law by not signing it at the end of a Congressional session.
Major Issues and Controversies
- Jackson confronted South Carolina during the Nullification Crisis and asserted federal authority over state objections to tariffs.
- He opposed the Second Bank of the United States and refused to renew its charter, increasing his popularity among farmers.
- Jackson supported the Indian Removal Act, leading to the forced relocation of Native Americans from Georgia to Oklahoma.
Jackson’s Legacy
- Jackson left office as popular as when he started, despite controversy over some policies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Popular voting — System where all eligible voters choose electors for president.
- Pocket veto — President’s power to reject a bill by not signing it when Congress is not in session.
- Nullification Crisis — Conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over tariff enforcement.
- Indian Removal Act — Law authorizing the forced relocation of Native Americans to western territories.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details of the Nullification Crisis and its impact on federal-state relations.
- Read more on the effects of the Indian Removal Act on Native American communities.