When President Andrew Jackson took office in 1829, his official Cabinet was fractured by factional disputes, largely resulting from the fierce rivalry between Vice President John C. Calhoun and Secretary of State Martin Van Buren.

What issue led to the resignation of many members of Jackson’s cabinet?

The Petticoat Affair rattled the entire Jackson Administration and eventually led to the resignation of all but one Cabinet member.

Why didn’t Jackson meet with his official cabinet?

There was the parlor cabinet, the official cabinet members, who were supposed to advise Jackson, but who Jackson didn’t trust. Instead of going into the parlor, he instead went into the kitchen around back to consult with his private friends and supporters on major issues.

Why was Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet important?

Jackson’s official cabinet was sometimes called the parlor cabinet. The Kitchen Cabinet included newspaper editors, political supporters, and old friends of Jackson’s. They tended to support him in such efforts as the Bank War, and the implementation of the Spoils System.

Did Andrew Jackson rely on his cabinet?

As a result, Jackson continued to rely on both his official cabinet and advisors outside the administration, depending on the issue at hand. On Tuesdays, Jackson gathered his secretaries in his office for official meetings, although on rare occasions, when he was ill, the secretaries assembled in his bedchambers.

Why did Jackson Fire Many government supporters and replace them?

He intended to engage in large scale “reform”. That meant removing many government employees, especially the Postmasters, and replacing them with people who were his political supporters.

Why was Jackson’s veto controversial?

Jackson’s most significant and controversial use of the veto was against the rechartering of the Second National Bank in 1832. He believed the government could not constitutionally create such a bank and that it favored the wealthy over the common people.

What was the original purpose of the Cabinet?

The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet’s role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member’s respective office.

How did Jackson chose his cabinet?

Instead of choosing party leaders for his cabinet, Jackson chose “plain businessmen” whom he intended to control. For the key positions of Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury, Jackson chose two Northerners, Martin Van Buren of New York and Samuel Ingham of Pennsylvania.

What was the purpose of the first cabinet?

He created the nation’s first cabinet to help him. The cabinet is made up of the president’s most trusted advisors. These advisors provide the president with advice on laws, taxes, foreign affairs, defense, and other important issues on how to govern the United States.

What was the problem with Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet?

When President Andrew Jackson took office in 1829, his official Cabinet was fractured by factional disputes, largely resulting from the fierce rivalry between Vice President John C. Calhoun and Secretary of State Martin Van Buren.

How did Jackson tend to choose people for his cabinet?



As befit a president who intended to lead, Jackson wanted a cabinet composed of “plain, business men” who would sustain a moderate states’ rights program, rather than prominent politicians who might undercut his authority and use their office as a stepping-stone to higher position.

What was unusual about President Jackson’s inauguration?

Jackson came on foot to the ceremony, but to avoid the multitude, he used a basement door on the west front to enter the Capitol; upon exiting to face the crowd, he bowed to great cheers.

Why was Andrew Jackson’s cabinet called the Kitchen Cabinet quizlet?

Instead of relying only on his cabinet for advice, Jackson made most of his decisions with the help of trusted friends and political supporters. Because these advisers were said to meet with him in the White House kitchen, they were called the “kitchen cabinet.”

What was the original purpose of the Cabinet?

The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet’s role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member’s respective office.

What is the cabinet and what is its purpose?



The Cabinet’s role is to advise the President on any subject he or she may require relating to the duties of each member’s respective office.