How did Jackson view the role of the Federal government?

Andrew Jackson viewed the role of the Federal government with a degree of suspicion and skepticism. He believed that a powerful Federal government could threaten individual liberties and the rights of states. Throughout his presidency, Jackson championed states’ rights, often acting against what he perceived to be overreach by the federal authority. He famously opposed the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as an institution that benefited a privileged few at the expense of the common citizen and the broader population. Jackson's presidential policies were strongly influenced by his commitment to ensuring that the government remained accountable to the people and that it did not become a centralized power that could infringe on personal freedoms and state autonomy. His administration aimed to reduce the scope of Federal intervention in state matters and to support a more democratized political environment, aligning with his belief in grassroots participation in governance.