Andrew Jackson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Andrew Jackson - Essay Example On his defense of the rights of the Federal government during the Nullification Crisis of 1832, Jackson invoked his presidential powers to affirm the superiority of the federal constitution. 1Jackson declares that the responsibility 'imposed on him by the constitution" is to ensure that the laws are applied 'faithfully' as long as the execution of his duties is consistent with the authority 'emphatically pronounced in the constitution'. This contention delineates further Jackson's respect of the supremacy of the federal law which bestowed on him the authority to apply it objectively and fairly, making sure that he remains loyal to his obligations within legal bounds. Jackson is also unswerving on his perspective towards the role of the federal government as an overseer of the states. For him, South Carolina's illusory power to nullify a federal law is 'inconsistent with every principle on which [the union] was founded." Jackson's unwavering fidelity to fulfill his obligations as president and to put into practice the fed... This does not connote constraints on the freedom of the states but rather assert the duties of the federal government towards problems that fall beyond the bounds of the states' jurisdictions. 3Without this control, states' would effect its own policy towards the Indians which could result to more complications. Such policy makes it possible for the states and the national government to avoid collision. 4The prevention of this collision which purports to 'preserve the Union by all constitutional means" delineates Jackson's faith in federalism and the ideals he bestows in his office. 5This only shows that Jackson is ready to apply the full force of the law in order to protect the federal principles which for him form a part of a 'happy union.' In his response towards South Carolina's Nullification issue, he proclaims that he will 'recourse to force' to preserve the Union and views further opposition towards the national government's promulgation of the federal law a form of treason. However, this does not try to pit the state authorities against the national government but intends to fortify the federal institutions which all states subjected themselves to. As there had been other states in the past who aimed to weaken the federal institution by threatening to break away with the union, Jacks on's assertion of the power of the central government to bring to a halt these threats resulted to the strengthening of the fundamental system and avoided confrontations between the national government and the states. Jackson's decision not to renew the contract of the Bank of the United States further attested to his consistency in his obligations to the people