Jackson changed the presidency. He was the first "cult" president. He altered the nature of the federal system. For the first time in U.S. history, the presidency became stronger than Congress. Jackson used his veto to stem opposition in Congress. He used the "bully pulpit" to force his political opponents to accept his policies. He was the first president to threaten military action against a state. After Jackson's tenure, both the presidency and the country were profoundly changed.
Government Leadership
Jackson was an able executive. But he could be difficult and erratic. He introduced the "spoils system" on a grand scale. He purged his official cabinet. His informal "kitchen cabinet" clearly consisted of close companions. Personal loyalty to him became the test of fitness to serve in government. Those who survived in his inner circle did what they were told. Then they told Jackson what he wanted to hear.
Political Leadership
Jackson was a Democrat. He was also a brilliant political strategist. He founded the Democratic Party. He invented the national grass-roots political campaign. He made his young party more powerful than the Republican Party. The Democratic Party was the leading political party until the Civil War.
Civil and Human Rights
Jackson was the first populist president. He favored enlarging the liberties of ordinary citizens. But his racial prejudices reflected the dark side of American populism. He tried to reduce First Amendment rights in defense of slavery. In addition, his "removal policy" caused death and misery among thousands of American Indians.
The Economy, Taxes, Regulation, and International Trade
Jackson mismanaged the national economy. His idea of creating a federal bank proved correct over time. But he was stubbornly committed to scarce "hard money." Moreover, his prejudice against eastern bankers ran deep. It led him to kill the Second Bank of the United States. His placement of federal funds in state banks was disastrous. Jackson's economic policies caused economic panic and a depression.
Infrastructure Development
Jackson took a broad view of the public interest. He favored federal infrastructure investments. On one occasion, Jackson surprised his supporters by opposing a major public-works project. But his opposition reflected his political ideology. He refused to invest public funds in a private company. Still, Jackson contributed more to internal improvements than all of the earlier presidents combined.
Territorial Expansion
Jackson favored territorial expansion. Early in his presidency, he wanted to purchase Texas. But he was a political realist. He intended to keep his own political popularity intact. After controversy over slavery in Texas threatened the unity of his party, Jackson opposed Texas annexation. Once he was out of office, Jackson reversed his views. He became an ardent supporter of statehood for Texas.
The Historical Legacy
Jackson left office with a long list of achievements. He elevated the presidency above the other branches of government. With the founding of the Democratic Party, he changed American politics. The political system had been closed to all except men of privilege. Jackson pried it open and gave ordinary Americans a political voice. But he also increased the class struggle in American politics. After he left office, privileged Americans retreated into private life. For several generations, some of the nation's most talented citizens avoided public service.
