Editor’s note: This is the 27th in a series of essays on the history and meaning of the American political tradition. In studying the history of American politics from 1826 to the Civil War in search of persons who shaped it, I find that there are two who deserve special notice and warrant a place in this series: Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) and John C. Calhoun (1782–1850). Jackson led the nation “through force of personality,” rather than through his intellect. Calhoun excelled in intellect and was arguably … (read more)
