Was Andrew Jackson a great president? Opinions are mixed. What is yours? Consider the words that Jackson biographer James Parton wrote in 1859: "Andrew Jackson, I am given to understand, was a patriot and a traitor. He was one of the greatest of generals, and wholly ignorant of the art of war... He was the most candid of men, and was capable of the profoundest dissimulation... A democratic autocrat [dictator]. An urbane [sophisticated] savage. An atrocious [awful] saint."

Now write a well-constructed essay of your own about the quality of the Jackson presidency. Be sure to start with a clear thesis statement and then give specific examples of events and issues to support your position.