Using Political Cartoons in Expressing Perceived Public Opinion

Jacksonian America
Name Course Instructor Date
Many U.S. Presidents, such as Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and Martin Van Buren, have found themselves involved in controversy during their presidencies. Many of these controversies stem from disagreements of the public with presidential decisions. Political cartoons are a great way for you to learn about these controversies, and are one of the best media for expressing perceived public opinion./pictures/item/2008661753/
What is the controversy depicted in the cartoon?
In the political cartoon, “King Andrew the First” created and published in 1833, President Andrew Jackson is represented a despotic monarch who exercises absolute power. The Whig Party who opposed Jackson rallied people against Jackson for using uncompromising tactics. On the left hand, President Jackson holds a paper with the words “veto” and he stands on a floor with the words the constitution of the United States. Thus, the cartoon is controversial as it shows the president as undemocratic and he heavily relies on the veto power to override the legislature. The cartoon further depicts Andrew Jackson as an aristocrat in an independent country that was independent from Britain, which was a monarch.
Jacksonian Democrats were associated with the support for the common man, but the cartoon creator show the president as being oppressive. Like an arrogant king or monarch Andrew Jackson is one who sees no need to respect the constitution. Repressive leaders do not respect the rule of law and the citizen&...