Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency Grade When Thomas Jefferson won the election and became president, the main party of the government changed to Democratic-Republican. During his presidency, he did a lot of things that were great, but some were very questionable. Thomas Jefferson’s grade for his presidency should be a B+.
As a leader of the party, Thomas Jefferson upheld general Democratic-Republican values for a majority of his presidency. After being elected in 1800, Jefferson stated, in a letter to one of his future cabinet members, “The true theory of our Constitution is surely the wisest and best that the states are independent as to everything within themselves” (Doc A). Jefferson stated his overall views as traditionally being in favor of state’s independence. He further reinforces his traditional Republican beliefs by expressing that the government should not be involved with religious affairs.
Thomas Jefferson was a smart man. He was the author of the Declaration of Independence and also had input into the writing of the Constitution. He once said, "The Constitution belongs to the living and not to the dead." Jefferson said this because the world is ever changing. There are always improvements made everything and more people are born thus more opinions are formed.
Of the many great presidents, Thomas Jefferson was the strongest. Not only was he a great president, but he also was able to be so involved with teh New American Union even after his time in office. He was on eof the first philosophical thinkers that helped for the foundations of the country, he launched the library of congress, and was the one to provide the inspiration and the funding for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, all of which are important factors to every day life even today. Both Linocln and Washington were among the great presidents as well. Lincoln for example "made a stand against the popular opinion of the time, a decision that would divide the nation" (Emily Stone) about slavery that did significantly impact America.
Jefferson's democratic-republican party views are always contradictory to the Federalist party founded by Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson believes in small federal government and more powers to individual states, his policies are around people and they should rule the government. Jefferson always follows strict constitutional rules. Jefferson always believed the country economy will improve through the agriculture. Hamilton views are very contrasted to Jefferson's view.
Thomas Jefferson's expansionist policies during his presidency from 1800 to 1808 created an important era in American history. He envisioned an Agrarian society and a belief in Manifest Destiny. Jefferson pursued territorial expansion through negotiation and sometimes force. One of the primary successes of Jefferson's expansionist policies was the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
(2). Over the course of his two terms as president—he was reelected in 1804—Jefferson reversed the policies of the Federalist Party by turning away from urban commercial development. Instead, he promoted agriculture through the sale of western public lands in small and affordable lots. Even as Madison left office, it seemed that he was brought in to clean up the mess that Jefferson had made when he tried to regulate things himself by placing embargoes in with other countries. (3).
Thomas Jefferson was a man for the people, even while growing up rich and privileged, he was the one to speak for the lower class. He favored a universal education for all who went to show his character. Thomas Jefferson tended to interpret the constitution in a strict way, only going by what was written and the enumerated powers. His interpretation of the constitution goes hand in hand with his philosophy of government which was that the government should protect man's life, liberty, freedom and happiness with a narrow or strict interpretation of the constitution. A very strict and to the point interpretation of the constitution, while it might seem good to limit confusion or abuse of power, really limits the abilities to accomplish
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be - Jefferson,” (The Daily Signal) in which he wrote in a letter to his friend. Jefferson wanted people to have an understanding in reading and writing so they can choose in the best ways to vote. Not wanting the government to run schools so he left it in the hands of parents who were willing to take education seriously. He introduced to legislation that they should divide counties in Virginia into smaller districts in which everyone can get free
President Thomas Jefferson firmly believed in the ability of the people of America to elect congressmen for guidance of the republic of America. He, also, felt that the central government should be sparing or economical with regard to money. In order to be frugal, he reduced the size of America’s army and navy to almost nothing. He, also, ended internal taxes and worked on paying off the federal debt.
Through his Leadership skills, ability to make changes, and his foreign-policies, Thomas Jefferson was the most impactful president of the first seven. Thomas Jefferson had many leadership roles, for example he served as the Secretary of State and the ambassador of France. He was also able to make change in the government by drafting the Declaration of Independence and his foreign-policies helped get respect for the US from France and Britain. Which makes him the most impactful. Furthermore, Thomas Jefferson had one of the most significant leadership skills.
Jeffersonian Democracy impact in politics, which led rivalry between Jefferson and Hamilton. It led argued between formation of political parties of Democracy-Republic and Federalist. Jefferson’s part as Democracy- Republic, which favored economic freedom and agriculture. Whereas, Hamilton Federalist party favored industrializing and wanted federal control. Also, Federalist Party wanted strong central government.
Jefferson advocated for small government, but expanded federal
He says "The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves- in their separate, and individual capacities. " Throughout the quote, he is saying that the government isn 't meant to help its citizens maintain peace and establish justice. The reality is, is that the government plays a huge role in making our everyday lives better, which is why we are not at war everyday with another country or settling a feud between states. This furthermore supports Jefferson 's claim that a government is established to ensure peace and protect its citizens rights.
These are the grand tenants of Jeffersonian religion. As for the aforementioned organization of religion, Jefferson was opposed and considered such to be coercive of the rights and freedoms of mankind. Thus, his desire to create a freedom of religious thought without enshrining a mandate or litmus test concerning religious belief in government or as far as rights are protected or acknowledged. Jefferson’s philosophy on religion, as with many other areas, were derived from his thought experiments. He reasoned his philosophy out of an educated mind, and although we can identify its underpinnings, much of his philosophy is considered unique.
