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‘The election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency in 1828 was the most…
‘The election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency in 1828 was the most significant
political event to occur in the years 1786–91 and 1828–37.’
How far do you agree with this statement?
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Other significant events
Drafting of constitution 1787, ratified 1789 = framework for future governance = effects were
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Principle of limited government - constitution defines government's powers = government not above the law
Principle of separation of powers = legislative branch (Congress) creates laws; executive branch (led by President) carries out laws negotiates treaties plus commands armed forces; judicial branch interprets constitution but applies law
On one hand federalism limits power of individual states (for example couldn't issue their own paper money)
On the other hand gave individual states a lot of power. example regulating elections, own systems of courts and justice
Checks and balances = design to prevent one branch from taking too much power. example: President nominates judges but the senate must approve them
Representative government: constitution created an indirect democracy = voters elect representatives to be their voice; electrocal colleg = persons chosen from each state would indirectly elect president; president and senators would choose judges. Summary = Constitution created a system which was democratic but in limited waus
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Panic of 1837 = Severe financial crisis. Triggered by: speculative bubble burst (Easy credit from banks, inflated land prices and drove excessive borrowing, so then land became overvalued and the prices collapsed); bank failures (numerous banks including Central Bank of the US = financial instability and collapse); Credit Crunch (banks tightened lending policies = difficult for businesses and individuals to borrow money)
Long lasting effects on US economy = reinfornced need for financial reforms = highlighted vunerabilities of the nation's banking/economic systems
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In conclusion we have seen a number of reasons for making the argument that the election of Andrew Jackson to the office of President was the most significant political event during the two periods specified in this question. However, we have also seen that two other events, namely the writing and ratification of the US constitution and the Presidency of George Washington, also had very significant effects. I am therefore minded to conclude that while Jackson's presidency could be seen by some historians as the most significant event during these periods, others might argue that the production of a ratified constitution and the presidency of Washington outrank it.
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