Question

which of the following statements about political tensions during the jackson administration is true?

a.) jackson made repealing tariffs a top priority for his administration.

b.) jackson sought to expand the power and scope of the federal government.

c.) jackson worked to promote national infrastructure like roads and canals.

d.) jackson rejected the idea of states rights to nullify federal law.

Explanation:

Analyze Jackson's stance on federal power versus states' rights

Using the Jacksonian Democracy knowledge point
Andrew Jackson generally favored a limited federal government and states' rights, but he drew a firm line when it came to the supremacy of the Union. During the Nullification Crisis (1832–1833), when South Carolina declared the federal Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within its borders, Jackson strongly rejected the constitutional theory of nullification. He issued the Nullification Proclamation, asserting that the Union was perpetual and that states did not have the right to void federal laws or secede.

Evaluate the given options

• a.) Jackson made repealing tariffs a top priority for his administration.
• Incorrect: Jackson did not make repealing tariffs a top priority; he supported moderate tariffs and strongly enforced them, leading to the Nullification Crisis.
• b.) Jackson sought to expand the power and scope of the federal government.
• Incorrect: Jackson generally advocated for a smaller federal government, vetoing the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States and opposing federal funding for local infrastructure.
• c.) Jackson worked to promote national infrastructure like roads and canals.
• Incorrect: Jackson famously vetoed the Maysville Road Bill (1830), arguing that federal funding for intrastate infrastructure projects was unconstitutional.
• d.) Jackson rejected the idea of states' rights to nullify federal law.
• Correct: Jackson firmly opposed the doctrine of nullification championed by John C. Calhoun, declaring nullification incompatible with the existence of the Union.

Answer:

• a.) Jackson made repealing tariffs a top priority for his administration.
• b.) Jackson sought to expand the power and scope of the federal government.
• c.) Jackson worked to promote national infrastructure like roads and canals.
• d.) Jackson rejected the idea of states' rights to nullify federal law. (Correct answer)