A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : Jackson and the Bank Veto From Revolution to Reconstruction, University of Groningen Henry Clay's Speech on Jackson's Bank Veto Furman University President Andrew Jackson's Bank Veto Message of July 10, 1832 is evidence of Jackson's severe distrust of the banking establishment, as well his more populist leanings as a politician in general. It is noteworthy that Jackson made extensive use of his ability to veto, a power typically ignored by Presidents prior to Jackson. Henry Clay, in a Senate speech offered the same day as Jackson's Bank Veto Message, is an example of the surprise felt by many after Jackson's exercise of the veto power. It calls Jackson's decision into question, not only in terms of his unprecedent wielding of Presidential power, but also on his opinion regarding the Bank. Have students define the word Veto. Then discuss as a class the methods in which a President can enact a veto and how congress can override that veto. Other words that could be defined before reading the speech include: monopoly, stock, gratuities. How do the two documents address the influence of foreign relations? Do a short round the world visit to better understand the situations in other countries at the time. How do the two documents address the influence of foreign relations? Do a short round the world visit to better understand the situations in other countries at the time. Students should read the excerpts from p3 and p31 from the comments on the Bank Veto Message. How is the author characterizing the veto? Does the veto give the President too much power? How else can the President be compared to a king?

Jackson and the Bank Veto
University of Groningen: From Revolution to Reconstruction

Henry Clay's Speech on Jackson's Bank Veto
Furman University

Description: President Andrew Jackson's Bank Veto Message of July 10, 1832 is evidence of Jackson's severe distrust of the banking establishment, as well his more populist leanings as a politician in general. It is noteworthy that Jackson made extensive use of his ability to veto, a power typically ignored by Presidents prior to Jackson.

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestions

Have students define the word Veto. Then discuss as a class the methods in which a President can enact a veto and how congress can override that veto. Other words that could be defined before reading the speech include: monopoly, stock, gratuities.
How do the two documents address the influence of foreign relations? Do a short round the world visit to better understand the situations in other countries at the time.

Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

How do the two documents address the influence of foreign relations? Do a short round the world visit to better understand the situations in other countries at the time.
Students should read the excerpts from p3 and p31 from the comments on the Bank Veto Message. How is the author characterizing the veto? Does the veto give the President too much power? How else can the President be compared to a king?