Explain How Jacksonian Democrats Viewed Themselves As The Guardian Of American Citizens

Alex Ott

American Studies B-Period Exam

11/17/14

Guardians of American Citizens In the early 1800’s Jacksonian Democrats dominated United States politics. Jacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United States Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and the equality of economic possibility for American citizens. With a few exceptions, Jacksonian Democrats did indeed live up to this epithet. Jacksonian Democrats followed Thomas Jefferson’s values; in that they were more interested in the wellbeing of farmers and commoners. Jacksonian Democrats kept the country together through the 1800’s, and successfully protected the rights stated in the United States Constitution with the exception of the Indian Removal Act.

The issue of Native Americans living in the South was one of utmost importance to current president Andrew Jackson. Jackson failed to protect the rights of Native Americans. The Native Americans were forcibly driven to Oklahoma on a path known as the Trail of Tears. Didn’t Native

Apparently Jackson did not even trouble himself with the question. Upon issuing the Indian Removal Act, Jacksonian Democrats failed to protect the Constitution. Because of the Indian Removal Act, Andrew Jackson violated the Constitution yet again. Andrew Jackson ignored John Marshal and the Supreme Court’s ruling that Georgia’s extension of state law over the Cherokee land was unconstitutional.

Politically, Jackson’s domestic policy was focused on building a better government for the common people. Jackson demonstrated this through his institution of the Spoils System and his veto of the National Bank. Jackson’s veto of the Bank of the United States showed his desire to abide by the regulations laid out in the Constitution. The introduction of Jackson’s Bank Veto provides a clear reason as to