Democratic-Republican; Adams focused on infrastructural and educational improvements which would create federal projects such as canals (Erie Canal in 1825), road buildings (extension of Cumberland Road), national universities, etc. Even though he was a prominent diplomat his presidency was not significant because of some decisions such as the protective Tariff of Abominations (Tariff of 1828) which protected northern industries by raising prices on goods; a negative effect on southerners.
Democratic Jackson, the Common Man focused his economic policies on populist beliefs and the welfare of society. He vetoed the charter for the Second National Bank, used the Spoils System to issue federal jobs for the common people, and lowered tariffs (1832 &1833) to increase foreign trade. Jackson's specie circular to reduce the amount of money in circulation led to the Panic of 1837 and deflation. But a major domestic policy was the Indian Removal Act in 1830 which forced Indian tribes to
relocate westward.
relocate westward.
Martin Van Buren, a Democrat maintained Andrew Jackson's policies of decentralized banks which led to the Panic of 1837 but did not put much effort to relieve or reverse the situation besides lowering tariffs and free trade. With the continuation of the Indian Removal Act, the displaced Cherokee tribes followed the Trail of Tears west of the Mississippi. Van Buren also denied Texas' request to join the U.S. in 1837 to maintain peace.
The first Whig to be elected, Harrison remained in office for only 32 days after catching pneumonia. With this short time period he did not have any programs or accomplishments but he did promise to follow the people's will.
Tyler's domestic policies vetoed his own party's (Whig) attempt to recreate the national bank and tariff bills. The antagonism almost led to the first impeachment but his foreign treaty of Webster-Ashburton with Great Britain granted open navigations of the great lakes between Canada and the U.S. Tyler was also responsible for annexing Texas in 1845 after negotiating with Mexico.
Democrat; Known as the Manifest Destiny president, his foreign policies focused on expansion, settling borders of the Oregon territory and acquiring California. His popular proclamation of fifty-four forty or fight describes the position in Oregon but Polk successfully extended U.S. territory to the 49th parallel (Canada) and acquired California with the Mexican Cession.
Whig; Due to dying in office after only one year of service, Taylor only had one notable foreign policy achievement which was the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. This document established that any Central American canal linking the Atlantic to the Pacific would be open to both British and American ships and would not be fortified.