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Difficulty: MediumJacksonian Democracy and the Second Party System

“We are in the midst of a revolution, hitherto bloodless, but rapidly tending towards a total change of the pure republican character of the Government, and to the concentration of all power in the hands of one man. The harmony of the system, the distribution of powers, and the checks and balances... are all in danger.”

— Senator Henry Clay, Speech in the Senate, December 1833

Based on the excerpt, which of the following political developments in the 1830s best explains the sentiments expressed by Clay?

  1. The expansion of presidential influence under Andrew Jackson, particularly through his frequent use of the executive vetoAnswer
  2. B
    The introduction of Alexander Hamilton's financial program to establish a national debt and a federal bank system
  3. C
    A series of Supreme Court decisions under John Marshall that weakened the constitutional authority of the federal government
  4. D
    The rapid growth of the factory system and the physical integration of regional markets in the North and West

Answer

The expansion of presidential influence under Andrew Jackson, particularly through his frequent use of the executive veto
The correct answer accurately links Henry Clay's speech to the political controversy surrounding Andrew Jackson's aggressive use of presidential powers, such as the executive veto (most famously against the Second Bank of the United States). This expansion of presidential power directly prompted opponents to brand Jackson 'King Andrew I' and organize the Whig Party to defend legislative power and constitutional checks and balances.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the source and author of the excerpt
The quote is by Whig leader Henry Clay in December 1833, warning against a 'revolution' that concentrates power in 'the hands of one man' and threatens 'checks and balances.'
Understanding the context of Whig opposition to Andrew Jackson is critical to interpreting the document.
2
Relate the political sentiment to historical events of the 1830s
Clay's speech directly attacks Andrew Jackson's use of executive authority, notably during the Bank War (veto of the recharter in 1832) and the removal of federal deposits, which led to the Senate censuring Jackson.
This links the warning about concentrated executive power to the specific actions of the Jackson administration.
3
Identify the option that reflects Jacksonian-era executive expansion
The correct response must highlight Jackson's expansion of executive power (such as the veto), which was the primary catalyst for the creation of the Whig Party and the Second Party System.
This distinguishes the correct analysis from distractors involving economic trends, different time periods, or judicial outcomes.

Key Concept

The Second Party System and debates over federal power
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Jacksonian Democracy and the Second Party System

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