During Jackson’s presidency, there were several policies that Jackson enacted that caused controversy and characterized Jackson’s administration. Let’s review some of Jackson’s more controversial issues.

Click here to watch the video on Jackson.

Reflection - How did Jackson’s passage of the Indian Removal Act impact the relationship between the United States and American Indians? Do you believe that Jackson’s forceful stance against states' rights affected his relationship with members of the House of Representatives? Did it affect his relationship with state leaders?

Source: Second National Bank of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Fed.

The “Bank War”

The “bank war” was a political and economic war that Jackson waged against the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson, a critic of the national banking system, felt that the national banks put the financial power of the United States into the hands of just a few. Jackson was not the only opponent of the bank. Many blamed the bank for fluctuations in the economy and for the Panic of 1819.

Jackson was forced to take a stand on the bank issue when a group of his opponents in Congress passed a bill that rechartered the Second Bank of the United States in 1832. Jackson vetoed the bill, sending the message that the bank was unconstitutional and posed a danger to the rights of the American people.

In the 1832 election, his opponent,Henry Clay, tried to make an issue of the bank veto but was unsuccessful. Jackson easily won his reelection. To prove his point, Jackson ordered all federal funds removed from the branches of the Second Bank of the United States. Without these funds, the banks were either failing or closed by the end of 1833.

Nullification

Jackson and his vice president,Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.John C. Calhoun, split over nullification. Calhoun’s argument was that each state should have the right to nullify, or reject, any law passed by Congress if the state determined that it was unconstitutional. Jackson believed that the only way for the country to remain unified was through the power of the federal government. Jackson had many supporters who thought that nullification would separate the Union. During his administration, Congress enacted a tariff on certain items. When one state disagreed with the tariff, Jackson took a strong stand against the state’s refusal to pay.

Lasting Impressions

Source: Andrew Jackson, E.B. Kellogg

Andrew Jackson, while representing the common man, was a complex individual. His presidency had a tremendous and lasting impact on the presidency and American politics in general. Presidential candidates from the 19th century and beyond have tried to imitate Jackson’s rise to power: humble beginnings, military heroism, and dedication to democracy. With a population and territory that was increasingly expanding west, Jackson gained even more support for the westward expansion of American power and influence. Jackson was more popular when he left office than when he entered.

Now it is your turn to see how Andrew Jackson has influenced other presidents of the United States. Select one of the modern-day presidents below and click on his image to read more about him. Compare what you have learned about Andrew Jackson’s presidency to your selected president.

You may also choose a president who is not listed here.

Source: George H. W. Bush, Whitehouse.gov	Source: Bill Clinton, Whitehouse.gov
Source: George W. Bush, Whitehouse.gov	Source: Barack Obama, Whitehouse.gov

Activity:
In your notes:

1. List three similarities and three differences between Andrew Jackson and your selected president.
2. Describe the characteristics that you think are most important of your selected president.
3. Explain what impact your selected president has had or will have on American politics.