What policy did Martin Van Buren advocate during his presidency?

Martin Van Buren advocated for free trade and lower tariffs during his presidency, which reflects his belief in limited government intervention in the economy. He supported the idea that lower tariffs could foster trade and economic growth, especially for agricultural interests in the South and West, who were often adversely affected by high tariffs that benefitted industrial interests in the Northeast.

Van Buren's commitment to lower tariffs was also in line with the Jacksonian principles of supporting the common man against the interests of the elite and maintaining a small federal government. This economic stance was significant during a time when there were sharp divisions in the country regarding the role of the federal government in regulating trade and protecting emerging industries. His approach aimed to unify the Democratic Party and address the growing economic challenges facing the nation in the early 19th century.