A Man Of The People Essay Example for Free

A Man Of The People Essay Every good citizen makes his countys honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and its conscious that he gains protections while he gives it. This quote by Andrew Jackson reflects his views as a president, military leader, and American citizen. Jackson sought to act as the direct representative of the common man. He strove to listen to the wants and needs of the common people. From humble beginnings, Jackson studied law for three years to become a lawyer and was then elected to the House of Representatives. After he served as a General in the War of 1812, he was a war hero and was elected the 7th President of the United States in 1828. Born on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina in a backwoods settlement in 1767, no one thought that Andrew Jackson would achieve as much greatness in his lifetime as he did. At the age of thirteen, Jackson joined the army to fight in the Revolutionary War as a courier. Jacksons father died only a few weeks before he was born, and his mother passed in his early teens, leaving him orphaned at the age of fourteen. After his mother died, he went to live with his uncles, where he studied law for three years. Before going to live with his uncles, Jackson had received a very sporadic education. But after studying law in Salisbury, North Carolina he became a prosecuting attorney in Nashville, Tennessee and soon began his political career. In 1796, Jackson was a member of the convention that established the Tennessee Constitution and, that same year, was elected Tennessees first representative in the U.S. House of Representative. He was elected to the Senate the following year, but resigned after serving only eight months. In 1798, Jackson was elected a judge of the Tennessee Supreme Court, serving in that position until 1804. Jackson was appointed commander of the Tennessee militia in 1801. During the War of 1812 he led his troops to victory against the Creek Indians at Horseshoe Bend, killing some 800 warriors and gaining 20 million acres of land in present-day Georgia and Alabama. After this military success, Jackson was appointed major general. After leading 5,000 soldiers in the defeat of 7,500 British in New Orleans, on January 8, 1815, Jackson was dubbed a national hero. He received the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. More than any president before him, Andrew Jackson was elected by popular vote. He became a democratic symbol and founder of the Democratic Party, the countrys most venerable political organization. During his two-term presidency, he expanded executive powers and transformed the Presidents role from chief administrator to popular tribune. He also carved out a stronger role for the presidency. Jackson replaced many government officials on partisan grounds, inaugurating the spoils system. Catering to his core regional constituency of Southern planters and Western frontiersmen, he condemned antislavery agitation, favored cheaper public lands, and strong-armed Indian tribes into removing west of the Mississippi. Every good citizen makes his countys honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and its conscious that he gains protections while he gives it. This quote by Andrew Jackson reflects his views as a president, military leader, and American citizen. Although from humble beginnings, Jackson was a fierce leader and dedicated to serving the people of the country he led.