Andrew Jackson's Presidency

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Student Question

Was Andrew Jackson primarily Hamiltonian or Jeffersonian regarding Nullification and the Bank?

Quick answer:

Andrew Jackson's stance on nullification and the Bank of the United States shows a mix of Hamiltonian and Jeffersonian influences. On nullification, Jackson was Hamiltonian as he supported a strong federal government over state power. However, regarding the Bank, he was Jeffersonian, opposing it as a tool of the elites and favoring a nation of small farmers. Thus, Jackson's approach was Hamiltonian on nullification and Jeffersonian on the Bank.

Expert Answers

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The best answer here is B.

Alexander Hamilton was a Federalist.  This meant that he wanted a strong national government instead of a system in which states had a great deal of power.  On the issue of nullification, Jackson supported the federal government against the states.  Alexander Hamilton also supported the idea of a Bank of the United States that would help make America a richer and more industrial country.  Jefferson believed more in a nation of small farmers.  Jackson was Jeffersonian with regard to the Bank.  He destroyed it because he felt it was a tool of the elites.  Therefore, B is the right answer.

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