Jackson

The era of good feeling continued into the mid 1800’s. In the
election of 1824 Monroe gave way to John Quincy Adams who had ran
against Andrew Jackson. In actuality Jackson received a majority of
the popular votes AND more electoral votes than Adams but since there
was a third candidate, Henry Clay, Jackson did not have a majority of
the electoral votes. The 12th amendment calls for the House of
Representatives to decide by majority vote between the two candidates
when there is no majority of the electoral votes. In a deal between
Clay and Adams Clay’s supporters backed Adams and Clay became
Secretary of State and Adams won the Presidency. Jackson and his
supporters were outraged and in the next election they defeated Adams
by a large margin.

I. The Age of Jackson

A. Jackson is the first President elected via popular
vote

1. He first lost in 1824. He had the most electoral
votes and popular votes but not a majority of the electoral votes.
There were four rivals.

2. John Quincy Adams cut a deal by putting one of his rivals on
the cabinet and got his electoral votes. He was never a poupular
President.

3. In 1828 Jackson changed the ame of the Democrat-Republicans to
the Democratic Party. He won the elcetion easily with help from
Martin Van Buren.

B. Jackson is regarded as a “rebel”

1. He is nicknamed “King Mob”

2. He allows the common man into the White House.

C. Jackson’s Actions Strengthen the Presidency

1. The Kitchen Cabinet – puts in his “cronies”

2. The Spoils System – replaces 10% of Federal workers with loyal
Democrats.

3. Jacksonian Vetoes – more vetoes then all other Presidents
combined.

4. Ignores the Supreme Court – In Cherokee Nation v Georgia he
removed the Indians against a Supreme Court order. He is rumored to
have said: The Supreme Court has made its decison, now let THEN
enforce it:”

5. Passed the Force Bill – authorized the use of military force to
make sure South Carolina paid the protectibe tariff they had called
“The Tariff of Abominations.”

6. Destroyed the 2^nd National Bank of the a United
States – Congress had voted to save it but he then used his executive
power to withdraw all fderal funds. He felt it was the “agent of the
rich.”