The Imperial Presidency of Andrew Jackson

A president, in the eye of Andrew Jackson, was the "representative" of the people. Not only that, his presidency was said to be that of the "common man," because his beliefs reflected those of the common man. He was the first American president to be born on the frontier, and as he declared, he governed on behalf of "the humble members of society- the farmers, mechanics, and laborers" (Tindall/Shi P.332). The presidential office he entered in 1829 would not be left the same after he left in 1837. Jackson's personal attitude and conflicts influenced the outcomes of his policies and actions, and as a whole strengthened the presidential office at the expense of congress. This can be shown through issues such as internal improvements, the tariff, and his demise of the National Bank.…