Andrew Jackson’s presidency fundamentally reshaped the American political landscape, leaving a legacy that continues to spark debate long after his departure from the White House. Often viewed as the president who championed the common man, his tenure was defined by a fierce expansion of executive power and a radical reorientation of federal policy. Understanding the things Andrew Jackson did as president requires examining both his populist reforms and his most controversial actions, which together forged a more assertive presidency. His administration marked a distinct shift from the preceding era of elite consensus, introducing a style of governance that prioritized loyalty and decisive action.
The Rise of the "Common Man" and Democratic Expansion
One of the most significant things Andrew Jackson did as president was to dramatically expand political participation for white male citizens. He capitalized on the elimination of property ownership requirements for voting, transforming elections from elite-driven events into mass democratic exercises. Jackson’s image as a self-made man from the frontier resonated with a large segment of the population who felt disconnected from the distant aristocracy of Washington D.C. His presidency signaled the rise of the Democratic Party, which organized his supporters and created a durable political machine. This shift empowered ordinary citizens, making politics more personal and contentious than ever before.
The Spoils System and Rotation in Office
Jackson institutionalized the practice known as the spoils system, believing that government positions should rotate among supporters of the victorious party. He famously declared that "to the victors belong the spoils," using this rationale to remove longtime federal officials and replace them with his political allies. While supporters viewed this as a democratizing force that ended elite control, critics condemned it as corrupt and detrimental to government efficiency. This policy established a precedent for partisan patronage that would define American politics for much of the 19th century, prioritizing loyalty over expertise in federal appointments.
Nullification Crisis and Defense of Federal Authority
Among the most critical things Andrew Jackson did as president was his forceful response to the Nullification Crisis of 1832. When South Carolina declared federal tariffs null and void within its borders, Jackson moved decisively to preserve the Union. He issued a proclamation asserting that states did not have the right to invalidate federal laws and requested Congress grant him explicit authority to use military force if necessary. This dramatic stand, which nearly led to armed conflict, was ultimately resolved by a compromise tariff, but Jackson’s resolve cemented the supremacy of the federal government over states' rights arguments. His actions during this crisis defined the boundaries of secession and preserved the integrity of the nation.
The Destruction of the Second Bank of the United States
Jackson’s war against the Second Bank of the United States remains one of the most consequential things Andrew Jackson did as president. Viewing the bank as an unconstitutional monopoly that served the interests of the wealthy elite, he vetoed its recharter and eventually removed all federal deposits. He placed the funds into state-chartered banks, known as "pet banks," which led to a massive expansion of credit and paper money. This decision, driven by his distrust of concentrated financial power, contributed directly to the Panic of 1837, a severe economic depression that plagued his successor. The move reshaped the American financial system and highlighted the tension between populism and economic stability.
Indian Removal and the Trail of Tears
Regrettably, some of the most enduring things Andrew Jackson did as president involved the brutal enforcement of Indian removal policies. He strongly supported the displacement of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to territories west of the Mississippi River. Jackson ignored Supreme Court rulings, such as Worcester v. Georgia, that favored tribal sovereignty, famously stating, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." This defiance resulted in the forced relocation of tens of thousands of Native Americans, most infamously the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears. This dark chapter represents a profound moral failure of his administration, driven by expansionist desires and racial prejudice.
