31 October 2018
“Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it.” Andrew Jackson served as the 7th President of The United States of America from 1829 – 1837. His election in 1828 was one of vast controversy which sprouted from the “Corrupt Bargain” of 1824. This election was when Andre Jackson received more popular votes, more Electoral votes, but somehow lost in the House. After winning John Q. Adams elected the Speaker of the House, Henry Clay, to Secretary of State and this became known as the corrupt bargain. After this election many of Jackson’s followers protested. This election also made it common for the “common man” to be involved in voting. He sold himself as a symbol of Democracy, which in today’s world, is a question up for debate. To be Democratic one must closely follow the 7 principles of Democracy: Republicanism, Limited Government, Checks and Balances, Separation of Power, Popular Sovereignty, Individual Rights, and Federalism. His choices and actions as president make it clear that he is democratic because he follows many of the principles of democracy.
Jackson Carved a new democracy that encompassed all white people and not just the rich. He believed in a democracy instead of the aristocracy that had been for many years. After his loss of 1824 he started his campaign off strong with the ideas of Republicanism and Individual Rights. Jackson’s image of the government was one that reflected republicanism or a government ruled by the people. This idea of the government being ruled by the people and not by a dictator, tyrant, or monarch was, and still is, the basis of democracy. The “People” of this time meant white men. Many people thought that men should be the ones to rule, vote and dictate what was to be done with the country. At this time in history Native American’s and Slaves were not considered to even be people or citizens, let alone vote. Although republicanism is 1 of the 7 pillars of democracy, did he actually follow it and reinforce it with his actions? In the election of 1824 many states chose to elect presidential electors through the legislature. These states included Massachusetts, New York, Delaware and many others. As the election of 1828 approached and Andrew Jackson pushed his idea of a true democracy more than half of these states change to electing Presidential Electors by the people’s vote. By the end of his two terms nearly all of these states had changed to allow the people more power to rule the government. (Doc 1). Although President Jackson did not directly make the voting process change from legislature to people, his ideas and influence as the President helped make it so. He was also an advocate for individual rights like personal freedom/protection, equality, and rights from ...