view the “King Andrew” cartoon and answer all of the prompts in the following discussion question. Make sure to include relevant points to your answer and make sure that your information is correctly cited. You must post before you can see the posts of others.
What do you think about the “King Andrew” cartoon? Considering what you know about Jackson, do you think it is accurate? Why or why not? Who do you think created it – a Democrat or a Whig?
King Andrew and the Legacy of Andrew Jackson
The “King Andrew” cartoon is a famous political satire that critiques President Andrew Jackson’s use of executive power. In the illustration, Jackson is depicted in regal attire, standing on the U.S. Constitution while holding a veto scroll and a scepter. This imagery conveys the artist’s perspective that Jackson overstepped his presidential authority, behaving more like a monarch than a democratically elected leader. The cartoon raises significant questions about executive power, democratic governance, and Jackson’s political legacy.
One of the most striking aspects of the cartoon is how it represents Jackson’s aggressive use of presidential powers. Historically, Jackson was known for his opposition to the Second Bank of the United States, his frequent use of the veto power, and his defiance of Supreme Court rulings, particularly in cases like Worcester v. Georgia. His opponents viewed these actions as examples of authoritarian rule rather than democratic leadership. Jackson’s controversial policies, such as the Indian Removal Act, further fueled accusations that he ruled with an iron fist rather than adhering to constitutional principles (Remini, 2001).
Considering Jackson’s actual actions, the cartoon does hold some accuracy. He was a strong-willed and polarizing leader who expanded presidential power in unprecedented ways. For example, his dismantling of the national bank demonstrated his willingness to challenge both Congress and established institutions. However, supporters of Jackson argue that his actions were necessary to curb corruption and to protect the interests of the common people. Thus, while the cartoon’s depiction of him as a king is exaggerated, it is rooted in real concerns about his leadership style (Meacham, 2008).
The creator of the “King Andrew” cartoon was most likely a member of the Whig Party. The Whigs emerged in opposition to Jackson’s Democratic Party, particularly criticizing what they saw as his overreach of executive power. They believed in a stronger legislative branch and saw Jackson’s aggressive vetoes and defiance of judicial rulings as a direct threat to democratic governance. The imagery of the cartoon aligns with Whig rhetoric, which often portrayed Jackson as a tyrant undermining the U.S. Constitution (Howe, 2007).
In conclusion, the “King Andrew” cartoon serves as a powerful political statement about Andrew Jackson’s presidency. While the image is exaggerated, it does highlight legitimate concerns about his use of executive power. Given its critical tone, it is clear that the cartoon was created by a Whig rather than a Democrat. Whether one views Jackson as a champion of the common man or an authoritarian leader depends on one’s perspective, but the debate over presidential power and its limits remains relevant to this day.
References
Howe, D. W. (2007). What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848. Oxford University Press.
Meacham, J. (2008). American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. Random House.
Remini, R. V. (2001). Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy, 1833-1845. Harper & Row.