President Jackson’s Commitments- How He Pledged to Foster and Advance Democracy

What did President Jackson promise to do to promote democracy?

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, was a prominent figure in American history known for his advocacy of democracy. During his presidency, from 1829 to 1837, Jackson made several promises aimed at promoting democracy and expanding the rights of the common people. This article delves into the key promises made by President Jackson and their impact on American democracy.

1. Expand the Right to Vote

One of the most significant promises made by President Jackson was to expand the right to vote. He believed that democracy was a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and thus, every citizen should have the right to participate in the political process. Jackson fought for the expansion of voting rights, particularly for white male citizens, which was a significant step towards promoting democracy during his time.

2. Reduce the Influence of the Elite

Jackson was also committed to reducing the influence of the elite and promoting a more democratic society. He believed that the government should serve the interests of the common people rather than the wealthy and powerful. To achieve this, he implemented policies that aimed to limit the power of the wealthy, such as the elimination of the Bank of the United States, which he saw as a tool of the elite.

3. Promote Economic Opportunities

Another aspect of Jackson’s promise to promote democracy was to ensure that economic opportunities were available to the common people. He believed that a strong democracy required a strong economy, and thus, he supported policies that encouraged the growth of the American economy, such as the construction of roads and canals. By promoting economic opportunities, Jackson aimed to empower the common people and create a more democratic society.

4. Support Education

Jackson recognized the importance of education in promoting democracy. He believed that an informed citizenry was essential for a democratic society. As such, he supported the establishment of public schools and encouraged states to invest in education. By promoting education, Jackson aimed to ensure that citizens were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the democratic process.

5. Encourage Popular Participation

Lastly, Jackson made a promise to encourage popular participation in government. He believed that the government should be accessible to the common people, and thus, he implemented policies that made it easier for citizens to participate in the political process. This included the use of the democratic caucus system, which allowed for more direct participation in the selection of candidates.

In conclusion, President Jackson made several promises to promote democracy during his presidency. These promises included expanding the right to vote, reducing the influence of the elite, promoting economic opportunities, supporting education, and encouraging popular participation. While some of these promises were successful in promoting democracy, others had mixed results. Nonetheless, Jackson’s commitment to promoting democracy left a lasting impact on American history.