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Andrew Jackson A Common Man Essay

Decent Essays

Jordyn Preble
p.1 Jan. 26, 2016
Was Andrew Jackson a Common Man?
There are many presidents that are considered to be more popular among the people and their popularity comes from the things that they have done for the nation. George Washington, for instance, helped to start the country off, while also setting admirable precedents for the presidents to come. Abraham Lincoln, or “Honest Abe”, worked to free the slaves, helping to brighten one of America’s darker actions. But then there’s Andrew Jackson, who is one of the more well-known presidents, although his popularity doesn’t come entirely from good acts. He was considered to be the nation’s first “common man” president. Although, many people argue whether or not it is a fitting title for President Jackson, a common man has certain qualities. A …show more content…

The fact that Jackson made mistakes doesn’t really argue the point of whether he was a “common man” or not, it actually helps it. One of his flawed declarations was to veto the bill to renew the Bank of the United States. While this was argued to be unconstitutional, and just all around ridiculous, it displays Jackson’s commitment to the farmers and middle class of America, versus the wealthier and more knowledgeable men. Jackson also had a fierce sense of determination, which was shown when he disobeyed the ruling of John Marshall and the Supreme Court.
Sure, there are lots of arguable points that conflict with whether or not Andrew Jackson was a “common man” or not. But, based on the abundance of facts that display Jackson’s morals, qualities, and feelings toward the wealthier men that controlled a lot of the government back then, it is obvious that he was a “common man”. Does the fact that he worked for what he wanted, and achieved it, take away from what he was and what he grew up being? Andrew Jackson was a common man with an uncommon

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