The Fortification of the New American Nationalism - Essay Example

For him, South Carolina's illusory power to nullify a federal law is 'inconsistent with every principle on which [the union] was founded." Jackson's unwavering fidelity to fulfill his obligations as president and to put into practice the fed. This does not connote constraints on the freedom of the states but rather asserts the duties of the federal government towards problems that fall beyond the bounds of the states' jurisdictions.

3Without this control, states' would affect their own policy towards the Indians which could result in more complications. Such policy makes it possible for the states and the national government to avoid a collision. 4The prevention of this collision which purports to 'preserve the Union by all constitutional means" delineates Jackson's faith in federalism and the ideals he bestows in his office. 5This only shows that Jackson is ready to apply the full force of the law in order to protect the federal principles which for him form a part of a 'happy union.

' In his response towards South Carolina's Nullification issue, he proclaims that he will 'recourse to force' to preserve the Union and views further opposition towards the national government's promulgation of the federal law as a form of treason. However, this does not try to pit the state authorities against the national government but intends to fortify the federal institutions to which all states subjected themselves. As there had been other states in the past who aimed to weaken the federal institution by threatening to break away with the union, Jackson's assertion of the power of the central government to bring to a halt these threats resulted in the strengthening of the fundamental system and avoided confrontations between the national government and the states.

Jackson’s decision not to renew the contract of the Bank of the United States further attested to his consistency in his obligations to the people and to his office as the highest leader of the nation. As the bank’s major stakeholders were foreigners, Jackson believes that it undermines America’s institutions as well as influences the country’s state of affairs. This decision brought forth nationalist sentiments as Jackson contends that the bank practices unfair competition as it is not only owned mainly by the foreigners and the privileged few but also excludes ‘the whole American people in the competition.’ Jackson’s decision is not only laudable in that it aims to protect the business from an injudicious monopoly, but the pronouncement also clearly revealed the president’s loyalty to his post. Jackson asserts that the legality of the bank is based on the privileges endowed to it by the Executive branch of the government and apparently, he considers his duty to the common people more significant than the renewal of the bank’s contract as he believes that “nothing in [the act’s] legitimate function” makes it proper or necessary.”

It is clear, therefore, that Jackson exercised prudence in this decision in that he refused to yield to the selfish desires of the rich and the powerful, an action that threatened his re-election.  Yet, when a leader such as Jackson, puts the country and his people first, the odds will always be in his favor.