The period from 1829 to 1837 is commonly known as the “Age of Jacksonian Democracy” or “The Era of the Common Man,” although these terms are not entirely accurate since America was not a true democracy. Women were excluded from voting and considered inferior to men. Additionally, free blacks did not enjoy the same rights as white citizens, and slavery was increasing in the southern states. Despite controversy surrounding his involvement in a deadly massacre, President Jackson also made substantial efforts to safeguard individual liberty, uphold the Constitution, advance political democracy, and foster economic equality.
Jackson extensively guarded the Constitution, causing Henry Clay great dismay. Document I supports this claim with the example of Jackson denying a bill to build roads in Kentucky using federal funds, citing the Constitution’s prohibition of federal aid for state projects. Additionally, Jackson rejected a bill for the National Bank, arguing that it fell outside the constitutional framework.
President Andrew Jackson exerted efforts to advance political democracy, influenced in part by his upbringing and his initial defeat in the presidential election resulting from the corrupt bargain. Consequently, Jackson made concerted endeavors to ensure equal power for the working class alongside the wealthy once he assumed the presidency. A case in point is his rejection of the National Bank concept, as he contended that it would further empower the wealthy, which was against his ideals.
Jackson advocated for the working class to have an equitable influence in government. He aimed to safeguard the rights and freedoms of American citizens through documents A, D, C, and H. Jackson empathized with the struggles faced by working men and sought to protect their rights and liberties. Additionally, he sought to prevent the wealthy from exerting control over the less privileged groups, fueled by his dislike for the affluent and their corrupt practices.
Despite his flaws, President Jackson made earnest efforts to safeguard key aspects of the United States including the U.S. Constitution, political democracy, individual liberties, and economic equality. These commitments were evident throughout his entire presidency and continue to resonate today. Despite the controversies surrounding Andrew Jackson’s tenure as president, he prioritized the values and wellbeing of his constituents and consistently strove for their betterment.
