Why is Andrew Jackson a despot?

Question

need to debate why he is a desport for two minutes and need ideas

I'm not saying I agree with this statement, I just have to defend it in a debate in AP US History Class.

Answer 1

That totally depends on what your definition of a despot is (i.e. the traditional definition ... a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically in an oppressive or cruel manner, or ... anyone you particularly don't like, or wish to demonize).

Personally, I think trying to argue Andrew Jackson was a despot is rather unsound -- he certainly was a difficult person to get along with, but he was far from wielding absolute power. Now, if you want a more correct examples of despots try; Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Pol Pot, Kim Jong-il, Fidel Castro, etc ... they had/have control over all aspects of the government (executive, legislative, judicial ... and the military/police). That is what a despot is ...

If you really wanted to you could argue Pope John Paul II was a despot ... doesn't mean you're right.

Another MAJOR flaw in arguing Andrew Jackson was a despot is the fact he gave up power after two terms as president (keep in mind that at the time there were no term limits for presidents). If he really was a despot he never would have voluntarily given up power ... that should tell you something.

Answer 2

I would not consider Andrew Jackson a despot, but there was in his administration one act that was despotic. When the Supreme Court ruled that Georgia had no right to expel Cherokee Indians from that state, Jackson refused to enforce the decision. The Cherokee were removed in a forced march that killed thousands. His quip that the court enforce its own decision was the height of arrogance.

Answer 3

Despot is too extreme a term. It means a dictator or arbitrary governor.

Andrew Jackson was elected President. He was elected by a popular vote that represented the common people and not just "decent people." Once in office, he rewarded his supporters with government jobs. His reason was, "To the victors belong the spoils." His opponents were wealthy people who could afford to serve in government jobs with little pay. His supporters needed the salary to live.

Jackson was not a "despot." (You need to look up the definition of despot.) After Jackson left office, he was so influential in the country that he was able to nominate the next three or so presidential candidates and urge their elections. One of them was James K. Polk, but I don't remember the others.

Answer 4

He forced the Indians to move against the wishes of the Supreme Court.

He killed the National Bank.

He forced South Carolina to pay the tariff with a military threat.

Answer 5

Made the indians move from their rightful homes
Disobeyed rulings from the chief justice of the supreme court
got rid of the national bank
started the spoils system