Jackson and Jefferson: Philosophy and Presidency The presidencies of Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson were based on similar political philosophies. Both men believed that the common man had a say in government and objected to the federal government being given too much power. Both were educated men, with extensive knowledge of the law, who believed that an agriculture-based economy was the key to America's economic growth. However, since they were both planters who owned slaves and Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, it was obvious that their philosophy of defending the common man did not concern minorities. Jefferson grew up on a wealthy tobacco plantation, and Jackson, although born poor, was raised by a wealthy uncle after being orphaned at the age of fourteen. Even though they grew up with a wealthy lifestyle, both opposed the corruption of a government that did not have the needs of individual states at heart. Although there was controversy over their somewhat racist beliefs, their achievements during their presidencies set a precedent for a just, democratic government that limited the power of the wealthy and elites. (Boyer, et. al., 2008) Jefferson's philosophy was based on the freedom of a nation, the voice of the common man being heard and acted upon, respecting the Constitution, and maintaining freedom through education. As Jefferson was one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence, he had a strong desire to expand territories within the United States to consolidate independence from Great Britain with a governmental system based on democracy. His purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France allowed the Americans to have control of the Mississippi River for the use of... middle of paper... questioned, overall, the United States Constitution was their foundation what they represented, and was used to assert the rights of men against the tyrannical aristocracy that resembled the unjust British monarchy from which they fled. The concepts and ideals of these two men were a giant stepping stone to the democratic government that governs America today. References Boyer, P, Clark, C, Kett, J, Salisbury, N, Sitkoff, H & Woloch, H. (2008). The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People. Boston/New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.BJ, Jackson as President: Then and Now. Planet documents. Retrieved June 14, 2009, from the World Wide Web: http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/4503.phpThomas Jefferson. Planet documents. Retrieved June 14, 2009, from the World Wide Web: http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/53.php