Final answer:
Andrew Jackson's contribution to the development of the political process included the rise of the Democratic Party, the implementation of the spoils system, and promoting a new style of politics that involved the common man, ultimately shaping modern American democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andrew Jackson's Contribution to the Political Process
Andrew Jackson's election as the seventh president marked a significant shift in American political history, catalyzing the development of the political process in ways that continue to have impact today. A charismatic figure, Jackson was seen as a representative of the common man and differentiated himself by being the first president not from an elite family. His contribution to the political process included the rise of the Democratic Party, the embodiment of the democratic spirit as seen in the 1828 campaign, the inauguration as an event for the people, and his strategic use of the federal patronage system, also known as the spoils system.
Jackson's tenure is characterized by his appeal to the majority and his efforts to assert executive authority via presidential powers such as patronage and the veto. This period, often referred to as the Age of Jackson, saw a new style of American politics where party organization and the will of the people played a crucial role. His approach to governance and political engagement set the foundation for modern American democracy, with characteristics such as the turbulent nature of majority rule first appearing during his presidency.
Moreover, Jackson used his influence to navigate through the Nullification Crisis, fought against the Second Bank of the United States, and enforced policies like the Indian Removal Act. Despite the opposition, which eventually led to the formation of the Whig Party, Jackson's era marked the emergence of a political system that engaged a broader segment of the population and fundamentally altered the conduct of American politics.