Jackson introduced policies about universal male suffrage which increased the number of voters. Before those policies, only those who belonged to certain religions or those who were property owners were allowed to vote. After those policies, all men of age were allowed to vote regardless of their religion or their ownership status.
They had their own strategies and it would be foolish to think that they didn't have thier own desires and knowledge. They were choosing the European powers which they thought would serve their cause, that is why some supported one European power and the others supported another European power. Their role was great because they knew the ground well.
