How did president Jackson change the power of the presidency?
http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/nc/bio/public/jackson.htm#Presidency
To understand how President Jackson changed the power of the presidency, we can look at several key aspects of his presidency:
1. Strengthening the executive branch: President Jackson fought to expand the powers and authority of the presidency. He believed in a strong executive and championed the concept of "presidential democracy." One of the ways he achieved this was by increasing the use of the veto power, asserting that the President had the ultimate authority to decide whether legislation was in the best interest of the nation.
To find more specific examples of President Jackson's use of the veto power, you can search for "presidential vetoes during Jackson's presidency" or similar phrases. This will lead you to sources that detail the specific bills Jackson vetoed and the reasons behind those decisions.
2. Challenging Congress: Jackson had a contentious relationship with Congress, often using his veto power to challenge congressional decisions and assert his executive authority. His most famous confrontation was with the Second Bank of the United States, which he believed wielded too much power and favored the wealthy elite. Jackson vetoed the rechartering of the bank and subsequently withdrew federal funds from it. This action demonstrated his willingness to challenge Congress and assert his own interpretation of executive power.
To understand the specifics of Jackson's confrontation with the Second Bank of the United States, you can search for "Jackson's battle with the Second Bank of the United States" or similar phrases. This will lead you to sources that provide detailed accounts of their conflict and the impact it had on the presidency.
3. Expanding the spoils system: Jackson's presidency was marked by a significant increase in the use of the spoils system, which involved replacing government officials with loyal supporters and party members. He argued that this system was necessary to ensure a more democratic approach to appointments and to prevent a permanent political elite from dominating the government. By expanding the spoils system, Jackson increased the President's power to shape the federal bureaucracy and reward political allies.
To understand the impact and consequences of Jackson's spoils system, you can search for "Jackson's spoils system" or research the historical context of the spoils system during his presidency. This will provide you with sources that explain the changes he made and how they affected the power dynamics within the government.
In conclusion, President Jackson changed the power of the presidency by strengthening the executive branch, challenging Congress, and expanding the spoils system. By leveraging his veto power, actively confronting Congress, and reshaping the federal bureaucracy, he significantly expanded the influence and authority of the presidency during his tenure.