What Was The Kitchen Cabinet Andrew Jackson

What Was the Kitchen Cabinet Andrew Jackson?

President Andrew Jackson, known for his strong personality and democratic ideals, was also famous for his informal advisory group, known as the "Kitchen Cabinet." This group, composed of close political allies and confidantes, played a significant role in shaping Jackson's presidency and had a lasting impact on American politics. While not an official cabinet recognized by the Constitution, the Kitchen Cabinet wielded considerable influence, shaping the President's policies and impacting his relationship with Congress.

A Departure from Tradition: The Rise of the Kitchen Cabinet

The Kitchen Cabinet emerged as a departure from the traditional cabinet system, which typically consisted of appointed heads of executive departments. During his presidency, Jackson was often at odds with members of his official cabinet, whom he saw as lacking the same level of loyalty and trust that he had for his informal advisors. These advisors, often members of the Democratic-Republican Party, were known for their strong support of Jackson's policies and their willingness to defend him against his critics.

The Kitchen Cabinet, a term coined by Jackson's opponents, was a group of close friends and confidantes who met with Jackson in the White House, often in the kitchen or other informal settings. This group of individuals, who were not appointed to official government positions, provided Jackson with advice and support, often influencing his decisions on important matters of state.

Key Members of the Kitchen Cabinet: A Diverse Group of Advisors

Notable members of the Kitchen Cabinet included:

Francis Preston Blair:

A prominent editor and journalist who served as the unofficial spokesperson for the Jackson administration. Blair was known for his staunch defense of Jackson's policies and his attacks on his opponents. *

Amos Kendall:

A journalist and politician who served as Jackson's Postmaster General and was considered one of his most trusted advisors. Kendall was responsible for managing Jackson's correspondence and disseminating his views to the public. *

William B. Lewis:

A close personal friend of Jackson and a prominent figure in Tennessee politics. Lewis served as Jackson's private secretary and played a key role in managing his affairs. *

Davy Crockett:

A legendary frontiersman and congressman who represented Tennessee in the House of Representatives. While not fully part of the inner circle of the Kitchen Cabinet, Crockett was a close friend of Jackson's and a vocal supporter of his policies.

The Impact of the Kitchen Cabinet: Shaping Jackson's Legacy

The Kitchen Cabinet had a profound influence on the Jackson presidency, shaping his policies and his relationship with Congress. They were instrumental in shaping Jackson's policies on issues such as Indian removal, the Second Bank of the United States, and nullification. They also played a key role in promoting Jackson's vision of a strong and assertive executive branch, a vision that would have lasting implications for the presidency.

The Kitchen Cabinet's influence extended beyond policymaking. They also played a significant role in managing Jackson's public image and countering the criticisms of his opponents. They used the press, particularly through Blair's newspaper, the

Globe

, to promote Jackson's policies and attack his critics.

The Kitchen Cabinet's influence was controversial, and its existence was criticized by Jackson's opponents. They accused Jackson of favoritism and of allowing his close friends to exert undue influence over government policy. They argued that the Kitchen Cabinet undermined the principle of separation of powers and threatened to erode the democratic process. Despite these criticisms, the Kitchen Cabinet had a lasting legacy in American politics, influencing the way presidents have used informal advisors throughout history.