In addition to the controversy that surrounded the bank veto, Jackson's use of power was also criticized in 1830 with his approval of the Indian Removal Act. For years, Native Americans had been displaced from the land they had inhibited for decades. Despite territory treaties signed between Americans and Native Americans, Americans felt entitled to the land. Many Native American tribes living in newly acquired Florida attempted to resist displacement from their land, and even were supported by the Supreme Court. In 1828, the Supreme Court decided that the Native Americans' right to stay in their land was protected under the Constitution. This case was known as Worcester vs. Georgia. However, despite the Supreme Court ruling, Andrew Jackson was determined to rid the Native Americans of Florida and provide American farmers with more economic opportunity. In 1830, with Jackson's approval, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which forced Native Americans to relocate to designated territory west of the Mississippi River. Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, refused to comply with the Indian Removal Act because of the support of the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, in 1838 Jackson sent the military to Florida to forcefully remove the Cherokee from Florida. The forced removal of over 15,000 Cherokee west of the Mississippi River became known as the Trail of Tears because of the thousands of Cherokee that died throughout the journey west. Critics of Jackson considered the Indian Removal Act to be an abuse of power by Jackson, because he directly went against the decision made by the Supreme Court.

Why was the Indian Removal Act considered to be controversial?

it directly went against the supreme court decision
it directly went against the supreme court decision

It created an imbalance of power from Congress to the Supreme Court
It created an imbalance of power from Congress to the Supreme Court

The Indian Removal Act caused many Americans to question Andrew Jackson's ruling
The Indian Removal Act caused many Americans to question Andrew Jackson's ruling

it forced thousands of Native Americans to move from their lands for better economic opportunities
it forced thousands of Native Americans to move from their lands for better economic opportunities