How Democratic Was Andrew Jackson? Andrew Jackson was one of the most popular US presidents of all time. He was president from 1 829 to 1837. During this time the US was evolving, becoming more and more democratic. Jackson was from a poor family, and his father died before he was born. He was In the revolutionary war at the age of 13. Jackson was considered somewhat of a war hero. One great accomplishment of his military career was when he led American troops In defending New Orleans against the British.
At the end of this battle there were 2,037 British troops killed and only 71 Americans. By the age of 21 Jackson became a lawyer, and at 29 years old he was elected as Tennessee first house member and one year later he was elected to the senate. In 1824 Jackson ran for president, and the popular vote was split four ways. When that happened the House of Representatives was supposed to decide the election. Jackson received the majority of the popular vote. One of the reps traded his electoral votes touch Quince Adams so long as he made that rep the secretary of state.
Jackson called this the corrupt bargain. A definition of democratic could be a person who believes in the charity rule, rule by the people and universal suffrage. After examining his actions on the following issues, it is clear that Andrew Jackson was democratic: Native Americans, elections and politics and African Americans. When it came to his actions on Native Americans Andrew Jackson was democratic. As stated in the definition of what makes someone democratic, that person must support majority rule. At this time the majority of the people were in favor in kicking out the Native Americans.
Whether or not Jackson agreed with this idea he still had to do it, and he did. That is why he was democratic, because he abided by majority rule. Also Jackson was not forcing them out he was allowing the natives to stay, although those conditions may not have been the best, the natives chose to leave. Jackson clearly states this when he says “l suggest for your consideration… Setting apart an ample district west of the Mississippi… To be guaranteed to the Indian tribes as long as they shall occupy it… This emigration should be voluntary… But) if they remain within the limits of the states they must be subject to their laws. “(8) The reason why the Native Americans had such few rights Is because at the time they were not considered part of the people. The only people who were part of the people were white males. So at this time Jackson was considered quite democratic. This evidence helps explain why Andrew Jackson was democratic because he abided by majority rule When It came to his actions on elections and politics Andrew Jackson was democratic. Jackson was committed to rule by the people.
He believed that ” democracy meant that all branches and agencies of the government- the President, the Congress, the National Bank, even the Supreme Court – must listen to and follow ten wellness AT ten people. ” (Background essay) Jackson was truly locate to ten people and giving them their rights. He also thought that all people have rights to government positions, no matter how much money they have. He thought there should be as many people coming into government office as possible. To try and do this Jackson proposed to shorten congress appointments to 4 years.
His motive behind this was to give many people the opportunity to office as possible. It is known he thought this when he said “In a country where offices are created solely for the benefit of the people, no one man has any more… Right to (government Jobs) than another. ” (6)This not only proves he wants to put many different people in office, but also that he wants the people to govern themselves. Jackson also believed in direct elections by the people. This included presidential and congressional elections.
This can be told because “He proceeded from the (idea) that all offices – whether appointed or elected – must ultimately fall under the absolute control of the people. ” (D)This shows Jackson was truly devoted to the rule of the people. Also Jackson was even in favor of eliminating the Electoral College. His reason for this was that he wanted all elections to be chosen by the people only with no middle man. Although he did not succeed in abolishing the Electoral College it still is shown that Jackson was in favor of the democratic principle of rule by the people.
When it came to African Americans Andrew Jackson was democratic. Jackson believed “the non-commissioned officers and privates will also be entitled to the same monthly pay and daily rations and clothes furnished to any American soldier. ” (N)This was very democratic for that time period. Jackson believed that blacks should have the same respect as well; this was a big step in this day and age, making Jackson very democratic. Even though he wasn’t giving them voting rights Jackson was making baby steps towards that mark of equality which was more democratic than anyone else at that time.
After examining Andrew Jackson’s actions on Native Americans, elections and politics, and African Americans, it is now clear that Andrew Jackson was democratic. Jackson was especially democratic when it came to elections and rule by the people. Understanding Andrew Jackson’s role in democracy is very important because he is a role model of democracy. We care because we, the people, in America have a say in government whereas other countries the people have no say.
