Andrew Jackson was Polk’s primary political mentor. Polk later was even known as “Young Hickory” in reference to Jackson’s famous moniker. Polk consistently supported Jackson’s positions in the House. As a member and later chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Polk opposed the Second National Bank and its president Nicholas Biddle. He supported President Jackson’s position against John C. Calhoun’s threatened secession by supporting the Force Bill, which would enable the president to ensure state compliance with federal law. Polk had even more power to support Jackson when he became Speaker of the House.