How was Andrew Jackson different from the first six U.S. presidents?

Andrew Jackson was different from the first six U.S. presidents in several notable ways. One of the key differences was his background and rise to power. Unlike his predecessors, who were typically from established political or aristocratic families, Jackson was born into a poor, frontier family and had a rugged, self-made reputation. His presidency marked the rise of the “common man” in American politics, challenging the elite establishment that had dominated the previous administrations. Jackson also became the first president to extensively use the spoils system, rewarding political supporters with government jobs. Additionally, his strong stance on states’ rights and Indian Removal policies set him apart, shaping the nation’s trajectory in a way that differentiated him from earlier, more diplomatic leaders. His populist approach fundamentally altered the nature of American democracy.