USH1 Writing Assignment: Did Andrew Jackson Abuse The Powers Of The Presidency While He Was In Office?
Essential Problem: President Andrew Jackson is often the subject of appraisal and criticism. His political
policies often spoke for the common American, but also violated Native American rights. The effects of the
Native American land losses and persecution in the 1800s has continued to be reflected in their current
struggles. With all of these struggles occurring during his presidency, did Andrew Jackson abuse the powers of
the presidency while he was in office?
Overview: Andrew Jackson was known as “Old Hickory” due to the fact that he was tough and immoveable on
the battlefield, like that of a hickory tree. However Jackson was a fighter and has had combat experience
fighting against the British in the War of 1812, fighting (and massacring) Native Americans in the Indian Wars,
and numerous individuals he personally dueled. He also introduced the “Spoils System” while in office, which
gave many close friends and political contributors of Jackson powerful position within the federal government.
Andrew Jackson was also totally against the National Bank, and vetoed its charter stating that the National Bank
held too much power over the national economy and did not benefit the common man. Yet of all his policies
and actions, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was probably the most violent and controversial.
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Did Andrew Jackson abuse the powers of the presidency while he was in office?
President Andrew Jackson rose to power with the aim of making the U.S a better place for its citizens. It is undeniable that Jackson’s policies and use of the veto power were to transform the country. Nonetheless, the strategies employed also depicted a violation of constitutional laws and abuse of power as a president. Hence, this paper aims at highlighting some of America’s problems and struggles due to the abuse of power by Jackson as a president.
Jackson led in a dictatorship way through the use of veto power. As the president, he was the final authority on any policy, rule or even decision. Hence, taking the power in his hands. For instance, he executed the Indian Removal Bill where he set aside land for the Indians to move from Georgia to Cherokee (Yoo 526). The removal was a forceful act. The president violated the constitutional law of promoting racial integration. However, his outright actions of removal of some races to distinct places revealed his discriminatory spirit. Nonetheless, he wanted to clean America from foreigners and preserve the country for the commoners and native Americans.
Additionally, the veto power use takes place under difficulty and emergent situations. It is not meant to be used regularly. However, as the president, Jackson exercised his veto power twelve times. This use was more than the combined use of the presidents before him. This clearly shows that Jackson was abusing his seat as president to rule the country. For instance, in 1929, he c...
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