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Andrew Jackson March 15, 1767 – June 8, 1845 Democratic-Republican Presidential Terms: March 4, 1829 – March 4, 1837 Vice Presidents: John C. Calhoun (1829–1832), Martin Van Buren (1833–1837) Andrew Jackson may have been a “people’s president”, but his actions during his presidency undermined the Constitution and were not in the best interests of the people. Jackson became near-tyrannical, and caused the people to begin comparing the office of president to a monarchy. Jackson did over stepped his bounds as president, but in his defense also may a few crucial decisions that held the union together. Overall Jackson deserves a grade of ‘C-’ for his terms in office. Jackson’s first and foremost goal of his presidency was to keep the Union together. He succeeded in this, as he handled the South Carolina Nullification Crisis with an exertion of notable military force, as well as threats to hang those accused of treason. Although Jackson implemented powers not previously given to the president, he swiftly resolved the crisis. Jackson was also a strong supporter of federal internal improvements, and furthered his agenda by proctoring the extension of the National Road. Jackson’s relationship with Congress was shaky at best, considering both the Senate and House were controlled by the Democratic-Republicans. In 1830 Jackson vetoed the Maysville Road Bill, which would give funding to Kentucky. Jackson, although a strong proponent of internal improvements, vetoed the bill on the grounds that it would only benefit Kentucky. Jackson also vetoed the recharter for the National Bank, and proceeded to withdraw federal funds from it. Jackson reached agreement with Congress on the Compromise Tariff of 1833, which managed to resolve only immediate conflict with South Carolina over the Tariff of Abominations. He also helped pass the Force Bill, a manifestation of Jackson’s need for control over the military, which contradicted his own belief that standing armies were detrimental to the liberties of the people. Jackson had a fair relationship with Congress, but alienated many people during his terms as president. Jackson’s most positive action during his tenure as president was his handling of the Nullification Crisis. When Jackson signed a new tariff, diluting the excessive Tariff of Abominations, South Carolina was still not pleased. South Carolina responded with the Ordinance of Nullification. With the threat of South Carolina’s secession from the Union, Jackson lashed back, threatening to invade the state and hang those held responsible. Jackson issued the Force Bill, giving him power to use military force to keep the Union intact. This executive act kept the Union together and set a precedent for presidential powers. The conflict was eventually resolved with the Compromise Tariff of 1833 which would reduce the tariff gradually over a period of eight years. The biggest blunder of Jackson’s presidency was his handling of Indian affairs. Jackson supported the Georgians in the removal of the Indians, and passed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which gave land to the Indians west of the Mississippi. In // Worcester //// v. Georgia //, the Supreme Court ruled that Georgia had no power over the Cherokee Indians. Jackson blatantly ignored this ruling, in direct defiance of the powers of the Judicial Branch. Jackson simultaneously spat in the face of John Marshall as well as the Cherokee tribe. Between 1838-1839, federal troops forced 15,000 Indians to flee their homes and march to what is now known as Oklahoma. One out of every four Indians died en route to Oklahoma, which they referred to as ‘The Trail of Tears’. This was one of the most sadistic acts in U.S. history. The administrative action of Jackson’s presidency that had the largest impact on future generations was undoubtedly the Trail of Tears. In the relocation of 15,000 Indians, 4,000 of them died. They were stripped of their homeland and culture, and relocated to foreign land. It set a precedent for the future treatment of Indians, and led to putting them on reservations and even concentration camps. Much of their treatment was similar to that of the Jews during the Holocaust. The Trail of Tears and Jackson’s overall Indian policy would go on to haunt and affect future generations of Indians, as well as tarnish the integrity of our nation’s history. Jackson was a fiery, persistent war general, in a position of great political power. He abused such power with the Indian Removal Act of 1830 as well as his destruction of the National Bank. Although Jackson came from humble beginnings, he did not well represent the people who voted him into office, the common men. Jackson’s actions were well-deserved of the comparison to King George III. While he did manage to hold the Union together in a time of crisis, he made a mockery of the Constitution, which is why he deserves a ‘C-‘. Degregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents)//. 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print. Garrison, Tim Alan. "Indian Removal and Response." //Americans at War//. Ed. John P. Resch. Vol. 2: 1816-1900. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2005. 85-89. //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845)." //American Eras//. Vol. 5: The Reform Era and Eastern U. S. Development, 1815-1850. Detroit: Gale, 1997. 202-203. //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Web. 12 Oct. 2010.