Final answer:
Andrew Jackson's legacy is complex, as he is both credited as a populist and criticized for his harsh policies like the Indian Removal Act. He also influenced executive power and political parties in the United States. Overall, his presidency's impact is still felt in modern American politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legacy of Andrew Jackson is one marked by both praise and controversy. Jackson's support for the Indian Removal Act reflects a significant blemish on his character and presidential tenure, as it led to the suffering and displacement of thousands of Native Americans in what became known as the Trail of Tears. However, Jackson is also credited with being the representative of the common man, being the first president not born to the elite, and for asserting the power of the executive branch—a trend that shaped the modern presidency.
His policies regarding the Bank of the United States and his stance on nullification also had lasting impacts, with his opposition to the bank due to his view that it favored a wealthy elite, and his forceful suppression of South Carolina's nullification attempt reinforcing federal authority. Jackson's actions have cast a long shadow, influencing the second party system and shaping political discourse around democracy and executive power.