King Andrew the First - Interactive Primary Source

• What is Jackson stepping on with his left foot?
• In what ways did Jackson's critics believe he overstepped constitutional limits?

• What are the phrases written around the image in the border?
• How do these phrases mimic royal titles or historical epithets?
• What tone do you think the cartoonist is using — respectful, mocking, or something else?
• What do these phrases suggest about Jackson’s leadership style and how critics viewed him?

“King Andrew the First", by an anonymous artist, 1832.

For more informaiton about this image, visit the Library of Congress website.

• What is Jackson wearing? How is this outfit different from typical portrayals of American presidents?
• What symbols of royalty do you see? Why would the artist dress Jackson in this way?
• How does this royal outfit connect to the title “King Andrew the First”?
• Why would Jackson's critics describe him in this way?

• What branch of government does this represent?
• Why would the cartoonist show Jackson stepping on the judiciary?

• What is Jackson holding in his hand? What does the word “VETO” suggest about his use of presidential power?
• Why might the cartoonist want viewers to focus on the veto specifically?

• What symbol or state seal do you see crushed beneath Jackson’s right foot?
• Why is Pennsylvania specifically referenced here? What major institution was based there?
• How does this image reflect Jackson’s role in dismantling the Second Bank of the United States?
• What does tearing up a state’s symbol suggest about federal vs. state tensions?