Introduction
Andrew Jackson’s two terms in power were characterized by the presence of fierce political battles and his victory at making revolutionary changes for the United States. Jackson’s legacy was facilitated by the difficulties he faced with the Congress during his two terms of presidency. He was committed to developing a powerful presidency on the grounds of a strong political party. During his terms, the United State’s presidency experienced changes that would revolutionize its nature forever. This paper looks at how Andrew Jackson changed the nature of the presidency.
Changes made
Andrew Jackson’s legacy is the development and strengthening of the Democratic party. Jackson is remembered for his development of a two-party system in the United States, whereby the Democrats and the Republicans emerged, and they were separated by the differences in political ideologies. President Jackson was particularly a powerful president because he derived his power from the support of the citizens, rather than banking it with the Congress. This was demonstrated by the fact that Congress only passed one law during his two terms. President Jackson vetoed a dozen bills. Jackson demonstrated that the president could possess the power to stand by his political philosophy without yielding to the pressure of the Congress (“American President: A Reference Resource” par. 2).
President Jackson expanded the power held by the president by implementing his personal opinions rather than listening to his political allies and enemies. He was quite hostile to his enemies, and he used his power to silence the people who openly went against his decisions. He brought forth the mudslinging strategies used by politicians today. By defying the Supreme Court, Jackson also demonstrated that the executive could easily overpower the judiciary, and many presidents that came after him have engaged in similar behavior.
President Jackson started the culture of rewarding his passionate supporters with offices, and this behavior has affected the presidency ever since. The powers held by the president enable the presidents to manipulate laws and grant offices to their indispensable supporters in the political scenes (“Andrew Jackson Facts” par. 12).
President Jackson changed the voting requirements of American society. President Jackson ensured that financial background was not used as merit to allow white men to vote. He also influenced the disbanding of the political parties during his term to form the Democratic Party, which is still powerful today. It is also apparent that prior to the election of President Jackson, the United State’s presidency was reserved for candidates from wealthy families (“American Politics Forever Changed” par. 1).
President Jackson came from a humble background and fought his way into the presidency. Jackson demonstrated that any American could get into the position of the presidency, and he changed the stereotype that one had to be wealthy to gain support from the people (“Andrew Jackson” par. 1). Some of the poorest American presidents that came after Jackson are Harry S. Truman, Ulysses S. Grant, and James A. Garfield. America still embraces presidential candidates regardless of their financial background.
Conclusion
President Andrew Jackson is a legend because of the changes he influenced in the American presidency. He disbanded the many political parties that existed in the nation to develop the Democratic Party. He implemented his personal opinions and engaged in mudslinging, as well as promoted his allies to government positions. He also changed the rights associated with voters and paved the way for the American people to vote for a president from a poor background.
Works Cited
American President: A Reference Resource 2015. Web.
American Politics Forever Changed 2015. Web.
Andrew Jackson 2015. Web.
Andrew Jackson Facts 2015. Web.