Prateek+-+TJ

=**Thomas Jefferson**=

Birth Date: April 13, 1743 Death Date: July 4, 1826 Political Party: Democratic-Republican Term of Office: (1801-1809) Vice President: 1st Term- Aaron Burr 2nd Term- George Clinton

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence was actually quite successful and productive as President, therefore earning him the letter grade B+. Although it was tough for him to enter office the first time (tied with Aaron Burr), he was favored by the likes of Alexander Hamilton supported Jefferson mainly because he was "less dangerous" than Aaron Burr. Jefferson's main goals were to keep things simple in every aspect of America. He cut expenditures from all three branches of government, and brought a republican simplicity to the office.

Jefferson's relationship with Congress was pretty moderate. His first move after becoming president was to to reduce the military establishment to a mere police force. This move wasn't on a financial basis, but to reflect republican ideals. Congress obviously trusted in Jefferson, this shown by future acts and agreements that were to be passed.

Jefferson also had a strong desire for expansion and expedition, these wishes leading to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Louisiana Purchase (1803). Although, Jefferson had fought his way through Constitution amendments to acquire the territory, it was marked a very crucial and significant event in American history. This purchase was received with great applaud and in the election of 1804, Jefferson swept every state except Connecticut and Delaware. The Louisiana Purchase which nearly doubled the size of the United States, can be considered one of the most important achievements in the Jefferson era.

With great success, comes times that are not so great! Jefferson's second term is greatly characterized by this, because his main concern of foreign affairs was in some ways a failure. The French and British attack on neutral U.S. shipping caused Jefferson to pass the Embargo Act of 1807 to avoid war. "This act forbade all international trade to and from American ports, in hopes that Britain and France would be persuaded by of the value and rights of a neutral commerce" (The Columbia Encyclopedia). Passing this act unfortunately infringed the peoples liberties, which was greatly to Jefferson's distaste. This daring attempt by America was unsuccessful, and colonists greatly resented the act. The Congress' attempt to enforce restrictions more tightly was greatly resented by New England and on the verge of a rebellion, Jefferson decided to pass the Nonintercourse Act. This allowed America to trade with other countries with the exceptions of Britain and France.

Jefferson's decision to go through with the Louisiana Purchase has had a enormous impact in the future of our country. It was in reality a steal from France, with the amount of land we received our size doubled. In essence it was to ease the uneasiness of the Napoleonic France had caused by seizing control of the area from Spain. France was much more aggressive then, and with U.S. bordering this piece of land, who knows what could've happened. So there in lay the decision for Jefferson to acquire this land, which at the time was really depreciating value for the French. All that said, America now knows the importance of that agreement.

Overall Jefferson's terms were characterized with many achievements and a few flaws. Although this is prior to his regime, no one can forgo his effect on the Revolution, being the father of the Declaration of Independence. His ideals of unity and virtue are what earn him a B+, because he believed in the equality of all men. The country was definitely better off at the end of Jefferson's terms, because America had new lands to colonize now. He strengthened our country greatly in many aspects.

__//**Works Cited**//__

"Thomas Jefferson." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Columbia University Press. 17 Sep. 2008. 

"Jefferson, Thomas." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Oxford University Press. 17 Sep. 2008. 

"American President An Online Reference Resource Thomas Jefferson." Miller Center Public Affairs. 2008. University of Virginia. 17 Sep. 2008. 

"Thomas Jefferson." 17. Sep. 2008. 

"Embargo Act of 1807." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Columbia University Press. 17 Sep. 2008 

"Louisiana Purchase." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Columbia University Press. 17 Sep. 2008. 

Kennedy, David M., Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas A. Bailey. American Pageant : Advanced Placement. 12th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin College Division, 2001.