A Comparison Of The Political Parties Of Jefferson And Madison

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As the United States of America takes shape through the molding of our nations leaders such as George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, many controversies arise and these men are the first to set precedent for the nation. Many of these controversies occur during the presidencies of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, although these men were both of the same political party, the way they responded to the call of presidency happened to be very different. As Jefferson and Madison lead the people of the American nation, both held power for the party of Jeffersonian Democrats, yet Madison’s strict interpretation of the constitution tended to contradict the loosely interpreted decisions of his predecessor Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson can be called many things but during his presidency Jefferson can most accurately be described as a …show more content…

In 1805 during president Jefferson’s second augural address, he mentioned a plan that once after the national debt was cleared, that the US government will set aside a sum of money used for internal improvements such as; building canals, roads, funding arts, manufacturing, and education. (Cunnliffe 109). In March 1817 James Madison sends a message to congress vetoing the bill proposed by the previous president Jefferson. Madison clearly states that however import the internal improvements may be, there is no where in the constitution that states the government has the power to build roads, canals, and such. Although the constitution does allow for the government to regulate commerce and economy, Madison does not want to abuse the power of the government, and does not want to over use the Necessary and Proper, or Elastic clause (Doc 7). Madison’s strict following of the constitution is what set him, and Jefferson so far apart, and made their presidencies so