Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People

This Biography offers an in depth portrait of Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States. Know for his pugnacity and down to earth style, Jackson is revered as the president who truly brought democracy to the people of the United States. Andrew Jackson: A Man For the People looks at President Jackson's controversial personal and political lives, and his effect upon the office of the presidency. This Biography would be useful for classes on American history, cultural history, civics, and ethnic relations. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• abomination
• annul
• apprentice
• ardent
• avenge
• barbarian
• barrage
• bigamy
• caucus
• chaste
• cholera
• dictatorial
• dropsy
• excruciating
• fledgling
• gauntlet
• idyllic
• illiterate
• impressment
• inconsolable
• inordinately
• legitimacy
• melee
• monopoly
• nullification
• obscenity
• onslaught
• precedent
• psyche
• sovereignty
• tenacity
• tribune
• tyrannical
• usurper
• vindicated
• withering

1. Andrew Jackson came to national prominence during the War of 1812. How did the war change the perception of European countries in regard to the United States?

2. The 19th century is the century of American expansion. How did the War of 1812 contribute to this expansion? How might American history be different if the British had won the war?

3. It is said that Andrew Jackson changed American politics and government and ushered in a new order. What is meant by a new order? How did Jackson's presidency transform the American political system?

4. Historians believe that Andrew Jackson was the first modern president. What is the difference between Jackson's presidency and the presidents that came before him? How did Jackson implement the modern presidency?

5. Andrew Jackson lost the election of 1824 even though he had the most popular votes. John Quincy Adams became president by what many believed was a corrupt bargain. What is the corrupt bargain? What differences are there in presidential elections today that would prevent a corrupt bargain?

6. The election campaign of 1828 was a particularly dirty campaign with both candidates slandering each other. Compare the methods of discrediting a candidate used in 1828 with methods used today.

7. Andrew Jackson was an extremely popular president with the common man. How do you think Native Americans viewed Jackson?

8. Discuss Andrew Jackson's policies concerning Native Americans. Do you think he was correct in his solutions to the Indian problem? If not, discuss alternate solutions Jackson may have used.

9. How did the nullification crisis portend the coming of the Civil War?

10. What is the central issue in the bank controversy?

1. Most people think of cartoons as humorous entertainment, but cartoons are also used to convey poltical messages. How can you convey your political views using cartoons? Draw a political cartoon indicating an either pro-Jackson or anti-Jackson stand.

2. Research the removal of the Cherokee nation from Georgia and then write an essay about this Trail of Tears. How did Andrew Jackson's policies contribute to this removal?

3. Imagine that you are a reporter assigned to cover Andrew Jackson's inauguration. What would you tell your readers about the common man aspect of Jacksons inauguration?

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