Accomplishments
|
Thomas Jefferson was a strict constructionist, meaning he believed only what was written in the Constitution was necessary for the conuntry to prosper. The Bank of the United States, which was introduced by Alexander Hamilton, was a proposal that Jefferson did not agree with because the Constitution never stated a bank was needed. However, as Jefferson saw the advantages of the Bank of the United States, he rechartered the Bank and allowed it to continue to function. Thomas Jefferson also decided to buy the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. President Jefferson appointed James Monroe to go to Paris and assist Livingston in the negotiations. Jefferson was willing to buy as much property for the maximum of $10 million. Upon arriving, Monroe learned that Napoleon had offered to sell the entire Louisiana territory to the United States. Spain had sold Louisiana to France in 1801. In 1803, Napoleon was at war with Britian and needed immediate financial support. Napoleon offered to sell the entire Louisiana Purchase to the United States for $15 million. When Madison returned with the news, Jefferson jumped at the opportunity, without asking Congress. In the Constitution, in Article II Section II, it states that the President can write/make a treaty but Senate must approve the treaty. Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase without the consent of the Congress, something a strict constructionist would not do. While contradicting some of his Republican philosophies he espoused during the Election of 1800, Jefferson did contribute to the expansion of the West in the new nation. He managed to aviod war during his two terms as President and remain neutral, as George Washington had claimed in his Farewell Address in 1796. Jeffersons's presidency is a memorable one, because of his accomplishments and downfalls. |