The Power of Change

Andrew Jackson, after being defeated in the 1824 election against John Quincy Adams, came back as a democrat to run for the 1828 election. Rather than being selected by a national convention, Jackson and his competitors were elected by congressional caucus; a congressional group containing members of the same characteristics/ interests. This process causes Jackson to be elected over John Quincy Adams. In His campain, Jackson used his nickname of "Old Hickory", given to him because of his strong and aggressive personality, as a theme and on promotional items. Jackson was promoting his desire to lead the citizens of America into a more direct democracy than the country was used to. This idea included the support of a small and limited federal government, but along with this still supportive of the states rights. After recieving 56% of the popular vote by rallying the votes of the "common man", Jackson was to forever change American government as the 17th president.

In George Washinton's farewell address, he indicates the dangers of political parties. He explains his understanding for why people would want to naturally organize themselves into political parties to asert their individual opinions on how the country must be governed. In comparison to Andrew Jackson and his strong strong support of the democratic party, George Washington would think this a potential distraction to the governemnt of their duties. This distraction would derive from the new political ideas of a smaller and more limited government.

Andrew Jackson's election brought me back to the preamble of the constitution. "in order to form a more perfect union" was something that Jackson had his eye set on. By focussing on a more democratic form of governement that the American people were not used to, Jackson was able to, in his own mind, attempt to form a more compatible America. What this emphasizes for me about the notion of liberty is that anyone is able to attempt to make a certain change in their country. Jackson's attempt to modify government, and his success in it proves the power of liberty and his application of new found freedom due to the constitution.