American Republic under Jackson and under Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson are two historical figures in the American history. They both served as the third and seventh presidents of the US respectively with their reign in power being completely different from one another. Thomas Jefferson’s presidency marked the first time that government leadership would experience a transition from one political party to the opposition without so much as confusion, violence, or bloodshed (Jefferson, 1803). It marked the beginning of republican ideas of political leadership in the guidance of a nation. Jefferson’s political philosophy was equal and exact justice to all men, but refraining from entangling alliances with none (Jefferson, 1803). He favored informality over the formal practices of his predecessors sitting in the company of other leaders at his dinner table without focus of their rank. He ordered repealing of taxes on whiskey and reduced expenditure on military. The Jacksonian rule was different in the fact that he did not come from an elite background as Jefferson (Jackson, 1829). However, this was primarily due to the fact of change in democratic beliefs where the common members of society were allowed to vote fore congress and House representatives. The constitutions of various states had been improved to eliminate property qualifications, taxpaying for voting, and religious qualifications among other factors to hold office (Jefferson, 1803). The spirit of equality in the US became even more prevalent that it was in the Old World. Although the gap between the rich and the poor was still present, the systematic barriers other than slavery had been eradicated to ensure ability to gain power and wealth.
Cause for Changes
The major changes evident in the Jacksonian rule that were different from that of Jefferson were related to the idea of democracy in the American society. The ability of that an individual from a humble background could become president of the state was unthinkable. However, in the period between the two administrations, the states had changed their constitution to eliminate the prerequisites of becoming a president (Jefferson, 1803). For instance, ownership of land, religious beliefs, and paying of taxes (Jackson, 1829). Another evident change was the fact that all adult white males had the opportunity to become wealthy and powerful members of the society as they were accorded the right to vote. In this regard, only women, Indians, and blacks irregardless of whether they were slaves or not could not vote in an election (Jefferson, 1803). The US society also established a two party system that would guide the political structure of the country that continues to date. Another change was the fact that political service was now considered a professional career not as a noblesse oblige as was the case with earlier leaders like Washington and Jefferson. Those who pursued leadership positions actually wanted for personal gain through recognition, power, and financial gain and not because they ought to make a change for their country.
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Significance of Changes to Future Development of the American Republic
The changes were significant to the future development of the American Republic as they influenced ideas and ideologies of what will be used to serve the society. The fact that Jackson was from a humble background brought about beliefs of the common man disrupting the status quo in society. He was but a mere Indian fighter and a war hero bringing a value of Americanism (Jackson, 1829). The change would lay foundations for other American citizens to fight for their rights to vote and engage in political affairs of the country including women, Indians, and blacks. Jackson’s administration would be known for his resigning from Congress deliberations as he found them too boring and his hotheaded reputation such that he scared away unwelcome guests when he lost his temper (Jackson, 1829). The practice would influence future presidents to rule in accordance with their personalities not what was expected of their role. His role as president became even more democratic as he identified himself as a political infighter that would protect the people from the excesses of the Congress (Jackson, 1829). This practice continues to date though alternating from the President or the Congress establishing a dispersed sense of power.
References
Jackson, A. (1829) First Annual Message to Congress .
Jefferson, T. (1803) Constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase .
