Lecture Notes on Andrew Jackson and Federal Power (Unit 4, AP U.S. History)

Summary:

This lecture explores Andrew Jackson's stance and relationship with federal power during the era in the U.S. history when the Democratic and Whig parties were distinctly shaping their identities and political policies. Key topics discussed include the controversies surrounding tariffs, the national bank, internal improvements, and the Indian Removal Act.

Key Points:

Political Party Dynamics:

• Post-Federalist Party era saw the rise of Democrats and Whigs from the Democratic Republican faction.
• Democrats (led by Andrew Jackson):
  • Advocated for limited federal government power.
  • Opposed corporate monopolies, high tariffs, and the national bank.
• Whigs (led by Henry Clay):
  • Supported a strong central government (mirroring Federalist ideals).
  • Endorsed the American System including a national bank, protective tariffs, and federally funded internal improvements.
  • Concerned with crimes committed by immigrants.

Discussions on Federal Power:

1. Tariffs:

   • Essentially taxes on imported goods to protect domestic industries.
   • Controversial Tariff of 1828, known as the "Tariff of Abominations", caused significant economic disparity between the North and South.
   • Vice President John C. Calhoun (South Carolina) proposed the doctrine of nullification, which suggested states could ignore federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

2. National Bank:

   • The Second Bank of the United States was initially beneficial for economic stability.
   • Andrew Jackson vetoed the recharter of the bank in 1832, citing it as unconstitutional and detrimental to lower socioeconomic classes.

3. Internal Improvements:

   • Debates were centered around the use of federal funds for infrastructure like roads and canals.
   • Whigs supported these expenses as essential; Democrats saw them as constitutional overreach.

Indian Removal Act of 1830:

• Designed to relocate Native Americans (referred to as 'Indians' in historical context and some current vernacular) west of the Mississippi to Oklahoma Territory.
• Supreme Court sided with the Cherokee nation in Worcester v. Georgia, confirming the federal protection of their lands.
• Treaty of New Echota (1835) led to the forced removal, popularly known as the Trail of Tears due to the severe hardships faced.
• Resistance and eventual settlement led to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.

Conclusion:

The lecture illustrates how Jackson's administration was pivotal in shaping the federal government's power and policies affecting both domestic politics and Native American populations.

This covers the essentials on Andrew Jackson's policies and their implications as discussed in Unit 4, topic 8 of the AP U.S. History curriculum. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!