Andrew Jackson: The Scoundrel Who Transformed America

Modern American politics was born during the age of Jackson. An unrepentant slaveholder best known for the Indian removal Act and the “Trail of Tears,” Jackson elevated the mob to the highest level of political power. He created the Democratic Party and the highly partisan Spoils System to benefit his supporters only. Yet, when South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union in 1832, Jackson promised military intervention. He deeply loved America, just not all the American people. Jackson expanded the scope of presidential power and tried to make the executive branch the first among equals. He failed? 

Required Reading: Jon Meacham, Andrew Jackson in the White House, ISBN 978-0812973464. 

Niles Schore practiced poverty law in Pennsylvania. He then was the Democratic Counsel and Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. He finished his career developing, implementing, and monitoring social welfare policies at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. He has previously taught courses on the Supreme Court, the Constitution, Presidential Leadership, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.