Andrew Jackson Shows His Executive Power Nullification Crisis

Andrew Jackson Shows His Executive Power

Nullification Crisis

The Background Tariff – tax on imported goods Tariffs helped the North and hurt the South In 1828, a higher tariff was set The south called it the “Tariff of Abominations” The south was outraged, and South Carolina wanted to nullify the tariff Nullify – to cancel or say has no legal force

South Carolina’s fight was lead by John C. Calhoun (Jackson’s own vice president!) Jackson threatened military action against South Carolina He saw it as a threat to the union Henry Clay comes to save the day Helps pass lower tariffs that satisfy the North and South Force Bill – The president could use force to collect tariffs

Quote “We must be prepared to act with promptness, and crush the monster in its cradle before it matures to manhood. We must be prepared for the crisis. ” Andrew Jackson, 1832

Bank War

The Background Jackson did not trust the national bank He thought it only benefitted the rich who invested in it The bank’s charter was brought up for renewal in 1832 Jackson vetoed the bank claiming to do what is best for the people Helped him will reelection in 1832.

Jackson crushes the bank Jackson ordered his Secretary of the Treasury to stop placing federal money in the bank This would eventually cause it to close He hired and fired two Secretaries of the Treasury before he found someone who would do what he asked Many opposed this action from the President Led to financial panic and crash in 1837 (the year after Jackson left office)

Quote

Scale Activity If a state disagrees with a law made by the national government, do you think the state has a right to refuse it? Is the national bank is constitutional? Should the president have the power to veto based on personal belief?