Final answer:
President Andrew Jackson strengthened the power of the federal government notably through his handling of the Second Bank of the United States, where he used his veto power to block its recharter, and the Indian Removal Act of 1830, where his enforcement led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andrew Jackson's Efforts to Increase Federal Power
One historical event that demonstrated President Andrew Jackson's efforts to increase the powers of the federal government was his handling of the Second Bank of the United States (BUS). Jackson believed in a literal interpretation of the Constitution and saw the Bank as a monopoly that catered to the elite at the expense of the common man. In 1832, Jackson vetoed the recharter of the BUS and then moved to dismantle it by withdrawing federal funds and depositing them in state banks, a process known as the Bank War. This action not only weakened the BUS but also strengthened the executive branch by showcasing the president's power to shape economic policy. Jackson's extensive use of the veto power, issuing twelve vetoes throughout his presidency was a clear example of his influence over legislative processes and set a precedent for future presidential policy vetoes rather than just as a legal tool against Congressional encroachment on executive power.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 is another example of Jackson expanding federal authority. Although Congress passed the Act, it was Jackson who enforced the policy which led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, such as the Trail of Tears. This event reflected Jackson's belief that the federal government had the power to act on issues of artificial inequality, even at the cost of abusing presidential power, as he saw it as a means to benefit farmers and laborers in contrast to business interests.