How Did James K. Polk Influence The Government
President James K. Polk Evaluation James K. Polk was involved in politics for much of his life, but he probably wouldn't have predicted that he would become the 11th president of the United States. Polk was the leading contender of the Democratic nomination for vice president when he was nominated to run for president. Much of his popularity can be attributed to his desire to expand the territory controlled by the U.S.. Polk was not well known at the time, and when he became the president he was referred to as the first "dark horse" president. President James K. Polk was in office from 1845-1849 and he was the last strong president in office prior to the Civil War ("James K. Polk"). Polk's strong cabinet, along with help from a Democratic
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James Buchanan was the Secretary of the State, and he had many of the same qualities that Polk possessed. Buchanan later went on to become the 15th president of the United States. William L. Marcy was the Secretary of War, and had an important job during Polk's presidency. The U.S. declared war on Mexico, and Marcy was responsible for organizing the army, which he did efficiently. Secretary of the Treasury Robert J. Walker was supportive of Polk's ideas of expansionism and reducing tariffs. Walker played a big part in reestablishing the Independent Treasury ("James K. Polk - Administration."). Also, Polk gave Walker the responsibility of studying the country's tariff levels. Walker administered a nationwide survey to collect data, and found that the tariff rates had to be reduced by a lot more than they thought. The Walker Tariff of 1846 was passed and it helped to stimulate foreign trade (Pinheiro). While President Polk was in office, he had three different attorney generals: John Mason, Nathan Clifford, and Isaac Toucey (Summers). James K. Polk made good use of his cabinet by holding meetings twice a week in which the cabinet members would give him advice and report problems. His cabinet supported his ideas and they worked together when it came time to vote on bills. The cabinet members also helped Polk reach his four main goals ("James K. Polk -
James Buchanan was the Secretary of the State, and he had many of the same qualities that Polk possessed. Buchanan later went on to become the 15th president of the United States. William L. Marcy was the Secretary of War, and had an important job during Polk's presidency. The U.S. declared war on Mexico, and Marcy was responsible for organizing the army, which he did efficiently. Secretary of the Treasury Robert J. Walker was supportive of Polk's ideas of expansionism and reducing tariffs. Walker played a big part in reestablishing the Independent Treasury ("James K. Polk - Administration."). Also, Polk gave Walker the responsibility of studying the country's tariff levels. Walker administered a nationwide survey to collect data, and found that the tariff rates had to be reduced by a lot more than they thought. The Walker Tariff of 1846 was passed and it helped to stimulate foreign trade (Pinheiro). While President Polk was in office, he had three different attorney generals: John Mason, Nathan Clifford, and Isaac Toucey (Summers). James K. Polk made good use of his cabinet by holding meetings twice a week in which the cabinet members would give him advice and report problems. His cabinet supported his ideas and they worked together when it came time to vote on bills. The cabinet members also helped Polk reach his four main goals ("James K. Polk -