Chapters 34-35 Summary and Analysis

"Jacksonian Theory" describes Jackson first State of the Union message, Dec. 8, 1829. The "landmark document" and "manifesto of democracy" begins with foreign affairs, where he is surprisingly conciliatory towards Great Britain, showing Van Buren's influence and his realization that being a general is different from being president. The first item on his domestic agenda is abolishing the Electoral College; the election of 1824 is proof it has failed. He also favors limiting presidents to one six-year term. On the politically-motivated tariff of 1828, which angers Southerners, Jackson declares that agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing must be equally regulated and promoted, with some preference given to agriculture. The tariff should put U.S. commerce and manufacturing on an equal footing with foreign competitors and patriotism should transcend regional concerns. Once the $49 million federal debt (chiefly from the War of 1812) is paid down, Americans will...