Final answer:
Jacksonian democracy, rooted in the principles of states' rights and majority rule, shaped public policy in the 1830s through key issues like the nullification crisis and the bank war, promoting the interests of the 'common man' against those of the business elite.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overview of Jacksonian Democracy
The basic values and assumptions of Jacksonian democracy were manifested in the vision of its leading figure, Andrew Jackson. These values included a strong belief in states' rights, skepticism of federal involvement in economic development, and a focus on the will of the majority. Central to Jackson's beliefs was the idea that federal power should be limited and that government should intervene to reduce artificial inequality—inequalities created by certain groups exploiting government power for personal gain, rather than those stemming from natural differences in abilities.
Jacksonian Impact on Public Policy Debates
During the 1830s, Jacksonian democracy significantly influenced public policy debates, most notably through the nullification crisis and the bank war. Jackson's approach to governance emphasized the importance of serving the interests of the 'common man,' especially farmers and laborers, which was often at the expense of the business class. His political vision resonated with the notion of populism and the glorification of the common man during the 'Age of Jackson', despite the period being marked by increasing wealth disparity and controversial policies such as the Indian Removal.