Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

7th President of the United States (1829-1837), a popular military hero who represented common Americans.

Corrupt Bargain

The deal made between Henry Clay and John Q. Adams during the election of 1824, criticized by Jackson and his supporters.

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, implemented by Jackson to make government more democratic.

Tariff of 1828

Also known as the 'Tariff of Abominations', it raised import taxes to protect northern manufacturers and was controversial in the South.

Nullification Theory

The belief that states have the right to nullify federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

Indian Removal Act

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the president to negotiate treaties to exchange Native American lands in the East for lands west of the Mississippi.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

A Supreme Court case ruling that Georgia's laws regarding Cherokee lands were unconstitutional, which Jackson refused to enforce.

Second Bank of the United States

A national bank chartered in 1816 that Jackson opposed, believing it concentrated too much economic power in the hands of a wealthy few.

Bank War

The conflict between Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States, culminating in Jackson's veto of its recharter and the withdrawal of federal deposits.

Cherokee Constitution

A written framework of government adopted in 1827 to protect the sovereignty and territory of the Cherokee nation.

Treaty of New Echota

A controversial treaty signed in 1835 used to justify the removal of Cherokee from their lands, although most Cherokee did not recognize it as legitimate.

John C. Calhoun

Jackson's first Vice President who developed Nullification Theory and attempted to lead South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal tariffs.

Secession

The act of withdrawing from the Union by a state, threatened by some states in relation to the enforcement of federal laws.

Transition to Whig Party

The formation of the Whig Party from the National Republican Party, formed in opposition to Jackson's policies.

Voting laws in early 1800s

An era when more poor white men were enfranchised, while wealthy free black men were disenfranchised.

Election of 1824

Jackson won the popular vote but lost the presidency when the House of Representatives chose John Q. Adams.

Impact of Rachel Jackson's marriage scandal

The controversy stemming from the technicality of Rachel's divorce was used as a political attack against Jackson in the 1828 election.

Significance of Jackson's presidency

Marked a shift towards greater popular participation in politics for poor white males and a reduction of elite influence.