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__** James Monroe **__
**April 28, 1758 - July 4, 1831 in Westmoreland County, Virginia** Vice President: Daniel D. Tompkins (both terms of Monroe's presidency) Political Party: Democratic-Republican **
 * Terms of Office: March 1817 – March 1825 (2 terms)

 James Monroe started his presidency during the "Era of good feelings", following the War of 1812 with many supporters and no critical issues to worry about. Surely, as Monroe was faced with more difficult hurdles to overcome, such as the Missouri Compromise, he prevailed with valid solutions that kept the nation afloat. Because of Monroe's strength in foreign affairs and continual courage he deserves a "B+" for his terms in office.

Monroe had few but serious goals to achieve during his time in office. He wanted to create national unity and abolish political parties. Although it is clear that he was unable to withdraw parties from politics, he did somewhat succeed in creating national unity. Throughout Monroe's two terms in office it was clear that the issue of slavery in the South grew upon Missouri requesting to be a slave state, which in return, created much sectionalism within the nation. In 1820-1821 Monroe briefly fixed this obstacle when he issued the Missouri Compromise. Also, Monroe was dedicated to The United States becoming a more independent nation. This goal created the infrastructure for his Monroe Doctrine by not allying with Britain over land in Latin America and by not allowing Russia to have land on that territory.

Monroe seemed to have a very fair relationship with Congress during his time in office. The lowest ratio of Democratic Republicans to Federalists in congress during Monroe's presidency was three to one. In 1822 Monroe vetoed his first and only bill during his reign in the White House. Initially Monroe thought that the renovating and maintnence of toll booths on Cumberland Road was unconstitutional. However, Monroe and his Administration had much delegation about their views and ultimately, Monroe came around and signed the improvements bill. Furthermore, Monroe threatened to disable the Missouri statehood bill if they did not get rid of the guidelines saying it had to be admitted as a free state. After Maine was admitted to the Union as a free state, Missouri became a slave state. It is clear to see that Monroe did not have a faulty nor marvelous relationship with Congress.

With the help of John Quincy Adams, Monroe made his best decision admist his time in office, the Monroe Doctrine of 1823. This doctrine was created in response to Spain attempting to enlarge its claims and incorporating the Oregon Territory as well as Soain trying to regain their previous colonies in Latin America. Monroe decided to avoid working with Britain and later sent a message to congress warning European powers to not intervene in the western hemisphere. The Monroe Doctrine became a huge milestone in foreign policy throughout the nineteenth century. Today it continues to, after various modifications, play a big part of foreign policy.

The worst decision the James Monroe made during his presidency was to allow Andrew Jackson to handle the affairs during the First Seminole War in Spanish Florida. Because the Spanish were dealing with riots in Venezuela, Chile and Argentina, Andrew Jackson saw this as a perfect opportunity to punish the Native Americans who fled to Spanish Florida. Although the administration clearly told Jackson to, "respect all posts under the Spanish flag", Jackson marched into Florida in 1818 and hung two Native American Chiefs as well as killing two British for helping the Seminoles. He also overthrew their governor and destroyed their villages. By Jackson going against Calhoun and the rest of the administrations wishes it led the nation to believe that the presidents power could be challenged without consequence.

The most influential decision that Monroe and his administration made during his time in office was the choice of having Monroe familiarize himself with the citizens. Monroe traveled the country to experience the people and places he reigned upon, in attempt to establish himself with the people. It was clearly visable that Monroe had a passion for his job and took it very seriously. In our nation today, Monroe's actions can be seen throughout every new election as each candidate tries to initiate a proper reputation and relationship among the citizens in America. To conclude, the United States of America was without doubt better off after Monroe's presidency. In spite of the difficulties that Monroe was challenged with during his terms in office, he successfuly handled every flaw with pride and respect for America. The Monroe Doctrine assisted in shaping future foreign policy and the Missouri Compromise help lesson sectionalism. With Monroe's accomplishments in mind, it is clear to see why he deserves the grade of a "B+" for his time in office.

Bibliography

"American President: James Monroe." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. <[]>.

Bailey, Thomas A., Lizabeth Cohen, and David M. Kennedy. //The American Pageant: A History of the Republic //. 12 ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print.

DeGregorio, William. __The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents__. Fort Lee: Barricade. 2005.James Monroe." //American Presidents: Life Portraits //. Web. 25 Feb. 2010.[| http://www.americanpresidents.org/presidents/president.asp?PresidentNumber=5]