Andrew Jackson's Influence On Democracy

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Andrew Jackson was seen as a common man the voice of the people by some. By others he was King Andrew, trampling the constitution and instigating tyranny. Jackson’s presidency impacted democracy, through his use of the veto power, and his claim of Clay creating a “corrupt bargain”, which is not a turning point for a rise in democracy despite him giving white male suffrage. During Jackson’s use of executive power weakened voice of the people. Once president Andrew Jackson wielded the executive power of the veto, which he used to excess. The twelve vetoes that were used during his reign overrode congress, the body of elected officials. The representatives of the states are suppose to be the consensus of the people. When Andrew Jackson, a single person refuses the congress's legislation it hinders democracy as less opinions are heard. In Jackson’s head the congressmen are just career politicians disconnected from the american people. However, the opinion of one man overruling all overs can not be an instance of democracy but one of dictatorship. Corrupt governments are a lingering fear in the minds of governed. Andrew jackson felt that his …show more content…

Andrew Jackson was from the west, and not a politician making him more of a common man than previous presidents. Serving in the military, being manly, and having a nickname “Old Hickory” made him relatable to the people. Presidents like George Washington, in contrast, came across as other worldly with their wealth, and education. The similarities to Jackson encouraged civilian participation in government. Coinciding with universal white male suffrage that came about in the 1820’s, the percentage of eligible voters that cast a ballot was higher in the 1828 election than any previous election. There is still no women, blacks, natives, or children represented in the country, but white men got their representation and opinions