Untitled Notes

Authors: Kingston Ho, Melisa Balat, West Hoang, and Ryan Doan
Focus on Andrew Jackson's presidency and its implications for democracy in the United States, emphasizing the expansion of voting rights and controversial policies.

Jackson’s presidency marked a shift towards a democracy focused on the common man by expanding voting rights.
Enacted policies were often controversial, leading to conflicts and debates regarding federal authority and individual rights.

Samuel Worcester: Sentenced to 4 years of labor for residing on Native American lands without permission.
Supreme Court Ruling: Ruled in favor of Worcester, asserting that Georgia law did not apply to Cherokee territory.
Jackson's Response: Refused to enforce the ruling, stating, "Marshall has written his opinion; let him enforce it."
Significance: This highlighted that Congress could not enforce its laws without presidential support, indicating a limitation in federal power.

“Tariff of Abominations” (1828): Increased tariffs by up to 50% on imported goods.
- Benefited Northern states by protecting their industries.
- Harmed Southern states by raising living costs and reducing profits.
Southern Opposition: Viewed the tariff as punitive, leading to significant regional tensions.
Constitutional Crisis: Transformation of a simple economic dispute into a major constitutional crisis questioning federal authority versus states’ rights.

Background: Centered on debates around tariffs and the concept of state versus federal rights; specifically addressing the “Tariff of Abominations of 1828.”
Key Figure: Vice President John C. Calhoun authored “South Carolina Exposition and Protest,” opposing the tariffs.
South Carolina's Stance: Threatened to secede from the U.S. if the tariffs were enforced.
Jackson's Position: Firmly denied the nullification by South Carolina, showcasing his commitment to federal supremacy.
Congressional Response:
- Force Bill: Authorized military action to enforce tariff laws.
- Compromise Tariff of 1833: Reduced tariffs to end the crisis whilst maintaining federal law enforcement.
Consequences: Tested the balance of power between state and federal governments and showcased Jackson’s willingness to use force to uphold federal law.

Introduced under Jackson's presidency.
Example: Samuel Swartout appointed as the collector of the Port of New York; fled after losing $1.2 million in government funds.
Impact: Highlighted a system where government positions were filled based on loyalty rather than qualifications, fostering corruption and a dominant political culture.

Political caricature, “King Andrew the First”, depicted him as a tyrant abusing executive power.
Representation of Jackson stepping on the Constitution, dressed in traditional monarch garb, illustrates public criticism of his authoritative actions.

Passed on May 28, 1830, under Jackson's administration.
Aimed to relocate Native American tribes to westward lands (future Oklahoma) for resource extraction purposes.
Ethical Concerns: Over 10,000 Native Americans perished during relocations, leading to events such as the Trail of Tears, marking a significant instance of mass genocide.

Manifest Destiny: The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the continent, leading to debates about the status of slavery in new territories.
Voting Rights: State constitutions revised to eliminate property ownership and tax payment requirements for voters, broadening suffrage but limiting it to white men.
Political Climate: Emergence of “popular politics,” where candidates sought support from a wider electorate.
Artwork Example: George Caleb Bingham's painting, “The County Election” (1851–1852), illustrates the growing involvement of everyday citizens in the political process.

Jackson vehemently opposed the National Bank, arguing it favored the wealthy and posed a threat to democracy.
Daniel Webster, a pro-bank advocate, articulated its role in ensuring monetary stability.
Jackson's actions against the bank highlighted his willingness to disregard the will of Congress and undermine public criticism, raising ethical concerns about his governing style.

Timeline of Significant Events:
  - March 4, 1829: Andrew Jackson inaugurated as president.
  - April 13, 1830: Jackson issues the Nullification Proclamation opposing South Carolina’s actions.
  - May 28, 1830: Congress passes the Indian Removal Act.
  - November 1, 1832: Tensions escalate between Jackson and Calhoun; South Carolina adopts the Ordinance of Nullification.
  - December 10, 1832: Jackson successfully opposes the idea of nullification.
  - July 10, 1832: Jackson publicly denounces the Second Bank of the United States.

The activities and policies implemented during Jackson’s presidency reflect a complex interplay between expanding democracy and upholding federal power, with long-term implications for governance, society, and individual rights among different demographic groups.