# 16Edward R. Murrow High School Ms Albu Ms Sarno Allen Barge, Principal American History I

The Presidency of Andrew JacksonAIM: Was Andrew Jackson a president for the people?Keywords: Rotation in office: rotation of government workers, Spoils system: giving governmental jobs to your friends and family, Trail of Tears: forcing Native Americans to move west.Discussion Questions:

What did Andrew Jackson do while he was president? What was the Trail of Tears?

A. IntroductionAndrew Jackson’s election in 1828 marked a turning point in American history. He was the first President who was not born to wealth. His parents were both immigrants, he was known to be a horrible speller and did not get a college education.

1. What kind of president might Andrew Jackson be based on these qualities? ______________________________________________________________________________

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B. Policies of Andrew JacksonDirections: With a partner, look at the following policies of Jackson. Evaluate

PRESIDENTIAL ACTION GRADE EXPLANATION FOR GRADE1. Rotation in Office: Many government workers had been in office for decades and had grown lazy or corrupt. Jackson wanted to replace them regularly.

2. Spoils system: Giving government jobs to people who support your campaign. Jackson replaced 2,000 government workers with his friends and supporters.

3. Voting rights: Property qualifications for voting and holding office were made smaller, which allows more people to vote. People began choosing public officials.

4. Nullification Crisis: South Carolina (the state) didn’t like a tax the Federal government made and wanted to ‘nullify’ it – get rid of it. Jackson sent in troops to force the state to follow the rules. 5. Trail of TearsIn 1830, just a year after taking office, Jackson pushed a new piece of legislation called the “Indian Removal Act.” The removal was supposed to be voluntary and peaceful, but when some Cherokee nations resisted, Jackson forced them to leave. Between 1831 and 1833, around 15,000 Native Americans were forced out west. At least 4,000 of them died along the way. This was called the Trail of Tears.

In the case of Worcester v. Georgia the Supreme Court said that this act was illegal and the Native Americans were allowed to stay in Georgia even though the people of Georgia wanted them gone. Jackson responded with the following quote:

“John Marshall [The Supreme Court Judge] has made a decision, now let’s see him try to enforce it!”

1. During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the spoils system resulted in1. federal laws being nullified by the states 2. elected officials rewarding their supporters with government jobs3. all free males being given the right to vote 4. the end of political corruption in the federal government

2. The United States government is creating memorials along the Trail of Tears because it was

1. an important road used by settlers going to the frontier 2. the location of injustices against many Native American Indians 3. the site of victories by General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812 4. the route followed by the first transcontinental railroad

3. Which Supreme Court decision is most closely associated with the Trail of Tears?

1. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) 2. Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) 3. Worcester v. Georgia (1832) 4. Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)

4. Starting with the election of President Andrew Jackson (1828), voter participation increased due to the

1. passage of an amendment ending religious qualifications for voting 2. extension of suffrage to Native American Indians 3. end of property requirements for voting by many states 4. arrival of more immigrants from nations with democratic governments

5. The South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification (1832)1. claimed that individual states have the right to interpret federal laws 2. formed part of the unwritten constitution 3. supported the federal government’s power to declare war4. provided a way for new states to enter the Union

11SI17-Andrew Jackson

Aim: Was Andrew Jackson a president for the people?

Motivation: Describe characteristics of a president for the people.

Key Words: Andrew Jackson: 7th President of U.S. Rotation in office: rotation of government workersSpoils system: giving governmental jobs to your friends and familyTrail of Tears: forcing Native Americans to move west.

Read ABased on his background should Andrew Jackson be a president? Why or why not?

Read BDo you agree with the policies of who gets to vote and who gets to hold public office? Why or why not?What would be some changes you would want to see from President Jackson?

Group Work CPositive or Negative for each scenarioExplain each one of them.Class will share their answers.

Read DDescribe Trail of Tears.Do you agree with Andrew Jackson’s policy? Why or why not?Explain the quote that Jackson said about John Marshall.

Scenario EIf you were the President how would you react to the Supreme Court ruling?

Picture FDescribe the picture.How would you describe the Trail of Tears?Do you agree with this policy?

Notes: Andrew Jackson Word WebAccomplishments of Andrew Jackson

Wrap-Up: Answer Aim.