Andrew Jackson and his
Domestic Affairs
Covering the Issues
Cherokee Removal
Is Andrew Jackson correct to remove the Cherokees?
Pro – Cherokee Removal
Against Cherokee Removal
Monroe’s statement in the
primary sources:
• High death rate of
the Cherokees
Removal is inevitable because
of events outside of the
control of the President. Such
as, expansion onto Cherokee
land by non Native Americans.
• Right to keep their
land
• Successfully
“Civilized”
Nullification Crisis
Tariff of 1828 – viewed in the South as “the
Tariff of Abominations.”
John C. Calhoun begins supporting the
theory of Nullification. South Carolina
adopts the theory.
Tariff of 1832 passed by Congress 
Reduces tariff rates gradually  South
says it is not enough
Force Bill gave Jackson power to
collect the tariff funds by force
Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun
develop a compromise including
the Tariff of 1833 and an
agreement that South Carolina
will rescind their Nullification
state legislation
Andrew Jackson Nullification
Does Andrew Jackson sucessfully end Nullification?
Yes
No
South Carolina was
rejecting a federal
tariff and Andrew
Jackson found a way to
resolve a federal crisis.
• South Carolina did
not follow the
Constitution
• Protested illegally
and partially got
what they wanted
Ends justifies the means.
Spoils System
• Jackson charges the John Quincy Adams
bureaucracy with fraud.
• Once President, Jackson removes Adams’ high
ranking officials.
• Many offices are given out as rewards for
supporting Jackson. Some are competent and
some are corrupt.
Spoils System
Do you believe the Spoils System is a positive creation?
Yes
No
The Spoils System is responsive
to the democratic elections.
People voted into office get to
put people they choose into
office.
• The people chosen to
fill offices are not
necessarily the most
qualified.
• Jackson sets a
precedent that
rewards support
rather than
competence.
Maysville Road Veto
• The “American System” was a form of economic
policies promoting economic nationalism.
(Originally proposed by Hamilton.)
– I.E. Canals and Roads
• Jackson originally supports the “American System”
• Sectional bitterness, search for local favors and
subsidies ruins Jackson’s support
• Jackson vetoes the Maysville Road (a road to be
created to help a region)
Ending the “American System” The Maysville
Road Veto
The Maysville Road Veto is a positive or negative aspect of Jackson’s Presidency?
Yes
Positive because Jackson limits
the spending and intervention
of the federal government
Jackson emphasizes states
rights
Avoids any possible favoritism
No
• The nation benefits from
internal improvements
whether regional or
national.
• Internal improvements
would help unify
separate regions in the
country and promote a
national agenda.
Bank Veto and Ending the Bank
• The Second National Bank – created after the
war of 1812.
• Federal government’s banker
• Poor leadership and corruption nearly ends
the bank in 1819.
• Nicholas Biddle saves the bank in the 1820s
• Jackson hates the bank from the beginning.
Opposed to the concentration of power in the
bank.
Bank Veto and Ending the Bank
• Jackson is convinced the bank is
unconstitutional.
• Jackson vetoes the recharter of the bank
• Jackson sees the bank as supporting a class of
non-producers
– Example of producers: farmers
– Example of non-producers: bankers
Removal of Deposits
• After vetoing the recharter, Jackson looks to cripple
the bank for until the current charter ends in 1836.
• Has Secretary of Treasury remove funds.
• Removes funds from the national bank and gives
them to over 20 “pet banks.” Local banks across
the country chosen by Jackson.
• Biddle retaliates by creating a financial panic.
The Bank Veto and Removal of Deposits
Do Andrew Jackson’s actions curb an institution overstepping its
bounds? Is Jackson overstepping his bounds?
Yes
Jackson ends an institution
wielding excessive power.
Jackson is protecting the
people from a economic
institution with no checks and
balances
No
• Jackson is removing the main
finance structure of the federal
government.
• Jackson is restricting growth of
the country because of a strict
interpretation of the
Constitution.
• Jackson is replacing one large
powerful bank with restraints
and giving that power to over
20 local banks with less
restraints.
Hard Money
• Excessive speculation (land purchases after Indian
Removal) occurs with the once the Pet Banks gain
federal funds.
• Panic of 1837 is a result of the Pet Banks being
irresponsible with the federal funds they are given.
• Jackson issues an executive order: Public lands must be
purchased with gold or silver specie (coins).
• Increases inflation and devalues paper money.
Hard Money
Is Andrew Jackson’s use of hard money successful at ending the financial
panic of 1837?
Yes
No
• No, it sets off the
Panic and it
continues into the
1840s
• Inflation increased
with paper money as
a result.