With the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and George Washington sworn in as the first President, American began a new era as a republic. The new government was tested under George Washington’s leadership, but it remained strong. During this time the judicial branch also established its role within the new government with several landmark Supreme Court rulings.

The Age of Jackson is often referred to as the “Era of the Common Man.” Andrew Jackson was thought to represent the average American which included farmers, frontiersmen, and laborers, rather than the privileged class from the East who were often tied to the Second Bank of the United States. This era is marked by progress in expanding the role of the common man in the democratic process, but also marked with conflict with Native Americans over the movement west.