Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States, and he served two terms from 1829-1837. While serving as president Jackson was able to thoroughly assert his will on the nation while consistently retaining an overwhelming popular stature amongst the citizens of the U.S. Jackson’s presidency has been widely debated and analyzed in terms of its effectiveness compared to other U.S. presidents. Proponents of Jackson’s presidency point to Jackson’s ability to focus legislation that directly supported the “common man” as a representation of Jackson’s efficiency. Opponents of Jackson’s presidency look to the times that followed Jackson as disastrous and set up by an irresponsible and inefficient eight years in office.

Andrew Jackson …show more content…
One of the traits of a competent president is the ability to not respond emotionally to the politics that surrounds oneself. This is a trait that Jackson lacked, which is evident during his last two years of his second term right before the new congressional elections. Jackson decided to spite the remaining congressmen (Whigs) who questioned his authority by publicly bashing them, and in turn, showing his support for office to his close friends, who were both unqualified and uneducated . Jackson’s attempts at revamping congress were ultimately unsuccessful and tarnished Jackson’s reputation among current political elites and the majority Whig congress (opposite of Jackson’s party), which meant that Jackson’s attempt at dirty politics led to him facing an angry and vengeful congress for the last two years of his presidency. Dirty politics like trying to gain a majority are dangerous, and when done unsuccessfully they can lead to presidencies that can only pass legislation through methods such as Executive Orders, rather than compromising with …show more content…
Jackson played to his strengths going into his first election, which were his background as a “common man”, his status as a patriot and war hero, and his promises to act in this best interest of the majority. These election themes served their purpose and got Jackson elected to two terms, yet his clever politics did not end there. Once elected Jackson was able to pass large amounts of legislation by making pacts with senators in 1832 until his fallout with congress in 1834. Despite the complications of politics while in office, Jackson was still able to focus on the premise of his campaign, which garnered him a majority of support throughout his presidency. Jackson’s legislation and ideas for expansion failed miserably and led to events like the Panic of 1827, yet just like FDR and his failed projects to alleviate the Great Depression Jackson was able to keep his popularity among the people by creating a personal connection as a humble American with his citizens. To me Andrew Jackson represents the ideal presidential model for any president looking to define himself on a nation. He failed many times, yet in the end he was predominately efficient at doing what he wanted