Maurice+J.+-+Jmad+-+SP10

Maurice Jones Pd.3 2-17-10



James Madison **Born: ** March 16, 1751, Port Conway, Virginia-**Died:** June 28, 1836, Montpelier, Orange County, Virginia
 * Terms Served: **Two; (March 4, 1809-1812 ), ( 1812-1816 )
 * Vice Presidents **: George Clinton(1809-1812) and Eldridge Gerry (1812-1813)

As the fourth President of the United States of America I would grade __James Madison as a B.__ Madison was a small considered timid man and unlike his predecessor Jefferson could not reign in Congress when they got out of control. Madison at many times found himself holding up the weight of many foreign policies that were not of his own creation, in short he had it bad from the start it from there it could only get worse. But in his hear his goals were the betterment of all America and he did that in the best manner he could, and by his efforts led America into the Era of Good Feelings. Madison wanted to better America; his goals in life were to free America completely from British dependency, to lead America into an era of peace. But to only a certain extent for the most part all Madison accomplished was a war that caused the fall of Washington in which Madison partook in and then in cowardice or more so realization of his foolish mistake fled from the battle. So I believe that Madison did not complete the majority of his goals. If only for the simple fact that he was too timid and at many times weak of heart. Madison let Congress control his actions or better put, change his decisions into something that he did not want. Although, he still did complete his goals by helping push America into the Era of Good Feelings as well as freeing America from the British entirely although it was done in a way that was not anticipated or hoped for. Madison’s relationship with congress was the exact opposite of what it was with his predecessor Jefferson, Madison was controlled almost entirely by Congress. His suggestions and judgment was disregarded for example The Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 which nothing more than a poor excuse of a copy of the original Embargo Acts created by his predecessor, all that happened was that Congress dismantled the embargo itself. Then, they created a bargaining chip known as the Macon’s Bill No.2. If Congress were to so easily control him he was not a true President if he could not stop Congress from doing as they please without paying him no mind he did not have a good relationship with Congress throughout Congress. **Positive Outcomes: ** Some of his best decisions as President were that he rechartered the Bank of the United States without this act being done; there would have been an even higher under funding for the war in which the outcome would have been even worse than it already had been. Also, by rechartering the bank this allowed a foundation for the economy to be built on and from then on out thrive. **Negative Outcomes: ** The worst decisions he made as president would be the War of 1812 if it were not for the fact that Madison was too timid and allowed Congress to pressure him into going against his resolve. By doing so he allowed things to go unchecked as well as he was much too hasty in his decisions at times thinking in the heat of the moment instead of from a calm perspective observing all angles and made things worse for himself. For example when he joined the War of 1812 even though he wasn’t a war President, shows that he did not play over his decision well enough and ended up fleeing the battle in shame. **Effects on the Future: ** The most major effect on the future caused by Madison is, by him rechartering the bank he changed how the banks of today function. Without Madison banks would not be as advanced or as stable as they are now if it were not for his contribution. Also he created the still used today Republican party which has been around ever since he created it. **Conclusion: ** In conclusion, Madison was good in every aspect of the government he worked in except as the President of the United States. At many times he was either too rash in his decisions or he was too timid and weak in heart and was too afraid to stand by his beliefs his resolve was not strong at all. But, near the end of Madison’s presidency America was still better off from his decisions no matter what he did in the very end his goals were accomplished, though done through unconventional means.
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 "American President: James Madison." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. [] "James Madison | The White House." //The White House//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. [] " James Madison ." //Oracle ThinkQuest Library//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. [] "James Madison." //americanrevwar//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. [] "The Federalist; Biography of Madison." //Heritage - LeftJustified.org//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010.//[]// []
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