Final answer:
Andrew Jackson justified his policy decisions by appealing to patriotism and democracy, emphasizing states' rights, and prioritizing the majority's will, which were central to his democratic vision and the Jacksonian Democracy movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andrew Jackson used references to history and American ideals to justify his policy by appealing to patriotism and democracy. His democratic vision connected deeply with his personal success story, symbolic of the American spirit, and the changing society post-independence. Jackson advocated for a states' rights philosophy that prioritized the will of the majority, signifying that certain federal powers should align with the citizens' consensus as expressed through state and national elections. He highlighted a conflict within society between 'producers' and 'non-producers,' and sought to reorient government policies to support farmers and laborers.
Jacksonian Democracy featured a mistrust of the elites, a focus on individual freedom with minimal government interference, and the idea of majority rule, which played a significant role in the public policy debates of the 1830s. It impacted major issues such as Indian removal, tariff and nullification concerns, and the future of the Bank of the United States. Jackson's stance on these matters, particularly his support for Indian removal and his campaign against the national bank, exemplify his commitment to these democratic principles. Moreover, his reliance on more democratic, populist methods encapsulated the era's political ethos, turning ordinary citizens into political forces.