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Andrew Jackson’s term as president (1829-1837) began a new era in American politics. A man born in humble circumstances was now President for the first time in the united States history. Politicians in the previous generations gained precedence due to their family background, wealth, prestige, and education. Andrew Jackson’s election showed that a mans’ lineage did not ensure a place In office. Instead, It was the candidate’s ability to appeal to the voter. It was Jackson’s election that started the opposed ‘age of the common man’.
During his presidency, Jackson was recognized for his Influence on the role of the common man and demagnification of American government to a point. Many of his acts and choices Including the Spoils System, Indian Removal Act, etc show this. Andrew Jackson considered himself a spokesperson for the common man. Jackson generally favored policies that benefited the common man (who were mostly farmers) and was against Interests of the eastern merchant classes.
Due to his purport of the many ‘common men’, after he was elected in 1829, the number of the voters turnout sky-rocketed to about 80%. This was a great turn around for the nation due to the fact that in 1820, it only averaged 10% of all citizens voting (Doc D). Andrew Jackson also showed his influence of the common man with his use of the spoils system. The spoils system gave government Jobs to his supporters, friends, and relatives as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep working or the party.
Jackson believed that most government Jobs required no special skills and that his supporters were Just as likely to be good at it as the people who had held them. This showed that basically anyone could get a Job within the government without being prestigious or rich. Andrew Jackson had a strong affect on the common man during his presidency. Although Jackson’s impact on the common man seemed to be great and helpful for everyone, for many people, it was the exact opposite.