Andrew Jackson Expansion of Power or Abuse of Power Essay Sample

settled the nullification crisis, in which South Carolina had threatened to separate from the Union. He also reinforced the Democratic Party and established the party system in American politics. The "spoils system," which granted government jobs to his political allies, was implemented by him and he was the first president to do so.

Jackson aimed to improve America by dismantling the Bank of America, which he believed was centralizing fiscal power and endangering economic stability. He viewed the bank as a monopoly on fiscal policy that did not answer to anyone within the government.

According to Jackson, Congress lacked the authority to establish the Bank and he argued that it solely served the interests of the affluent while neglecting the working class. Jackson utilized various methods to assail the Bank, including initially starving it of funds and subsequently withdrawing millions of dollars in federal funds and transferring them to his preferred banks. Additionally, he implemented the Specie Circular which mandated that for the payment of public lands, gold and silver were the only acceptable forms of currency.

Jackson and his supporters viewed the bank as an unsafe monopoly, criticizing its failure to establish a reliable currency. The Bank of United States' expiration reveals how Jackson bolstered his power through his cabinet and followers. When deciding to withdraw all federal funds, he discussed it with his Treasury Secretary who disagreed and was subsequently fired. He continued down the line of appointments until finding someone who shared his views, thereby legally making the bank go bankrupt and destroying it quickly. The bank ceased to exist when its charter expired in 1836, thus strengthening Jackson's presidency.

Jackson's veto of the

re-charter measure of the Bank was not overruled by the Bank's congressional supporters due to insufficient votes. This resulted in his increased political power as he had more control over federal support. Jackson firmly believed that the people were at the heart of America's will and once expressed to Martin Van Buren, his secretary of state, that while change was desired, it needed to be done judiciously and in accordance with principles. Jackson sought to eliminate what he saw as a federal office monopoly by wealthy individuals and implemented the spoils system.

The spoils system was a method used by Jackson to remove inefficient workers from government offices and replace them with his supporters. He believed that federal employees did not have a permanent right to their jobs and that this system of replacing workers with new individuals would democratize the government and create new job opportunities.

The spoils system significantly increased Jackson's political power as he had the freedom to appoint anyone he desired. This made it difficult for any resistance to develop within his cabinet, as he could always hire and fire individuals as he pleased. Jackson strategically selected supporters who upheld his beliefs and ideals, further strengthening his authority. Additionally, Jackson pioneered the use of a "Kitchen Cabinet" during his presidency.

Some of Jackson's political advisers were given the nickname "The Kitchen Cabinet" by his resistance. Although not all were part of his official cabinet, Jackson would often turn to this unofficial group for counsel. Doing so personalized his decision-making and bolstered his political power by providing him with strong support from his close circle.

By using the spoils system

and a selective approach to his positions, Jackson increased his power and gained complete control over his cabinet. However, he still needed Congress's support. In 1832, Congress passed another high duty act, which led South Carolina to declare the previous duty laws void and null. This threatened to splinter the state.

Should the authorities attempt to dissolve responsibilities at Charleston, Jackson, a staunch supporter of the Union, would not allow it to be destroyed. To prevent this, he acted swiftly and deployed troops and ships near Charleston. Jackson made it clear that he had no authority in the matter, and that any attempt to dissolve the Union by force was treasonous. In response to Jackson's request, Congress enacted a force measure.

By utilizing the armed forces, Jackson was authorized to enforce duties and successfully resolved the nullification crisis with South Carolina. Although the force law was declared null and void, the withdrawal of nullification laws boosted Jackson's political power with the help of Congress and his popularity among the people.

Jackson successfully pleased both the North and South by implementing a secret compromise that reduced duties, on the condition that South Carolina remains in the Union. This satisfied the South, while also fulfilling the North's desire to maintain the unity of the country. Numerous concepts bolstered Jackson's authority and influence.

The individual held a belief that it was not appropriate for any federal employee to have a life-long entitlement to their job. Additionally, the cabinet should not be solely influenced by those who are affluent or influential. They took action to discontinue the Bank of the United States, as they saw it as beneficial only to those in

power. Finally, this individual believed that as the president, they should carry out their responsibilities to the fullest extent.

Displaying a firm belief in the maintenance of the Union, he demonstrated his conviction by addressing the nullification crisis and consequently, attained substantial political power and recognition as a defender of citizens' rights.