preview

How Democratic Was Andrew Jackson Dbq

Decent Essays

How Democratic Was Andrew Jackson? Andrew Jackson was the most popular president during his time. Even though he had his enemies during his two term presidency, he was a public figure to the American people, and his popularity lived on even after his death. The people loved him because of the decisions he made, and his extraordinary and successful military career. He had very democratic views, and believed in a democracy, which all branches of government are required to listen and follow the wishes of the people. It is fair to say that Andrew Jackson is very democratic because he protected peoples' constitutional rights, wanted American citizens to vote, but he was not democratic because he was not fair to everyone. Andrew …show more content…

During the end of his first term as president, he issued the Indian Removal Act. Jackson had a history with the Native Americans. He was a war hero in the Battle of New Orleans, and also took out the Creek Indians in 1813 and 1814 in Alabama. Jackson did not consider them as citizens, and wanted to relocate the Native Americans so there would be more land for the American citizens to settle in. According to Document 10, the Indians were relocated to territory west of the Mississippi. Jackson also stated, "...I suggest for your consideration...setting apart an ample district west of the Mississippi...to be guaranteed to the Indian tribes as long as they shall occupy it...This emigration should be voluntary...(but) if they remain within the limits of the states they must be subject to their laws." (Document 8). The Indian Removal Act was not a peaceful transition for the Native Americans. This act was not fair for both the Native Americans, and the American citizens. Document 9 states, "…badly supplied with food and water... All our neighbors...would speak a language totally different from ours, and practice different customs..." This shows that Andrew Jackson was being very harsh to the Native Americans. The Indian Removal Act showed that Jackson was not fair to all people, including the Native

Get Access