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__**JAMES MADISON**__

(March 16, 1751 - June 28, 1836) Republican Party First Term: 1808-1812 Second Term: 1812-1816 Vice Presidents: George Clinton 1808- 1812 Elbridge Gerry 1813-1814

It easy to see, looking at Madison's many positive accomplishments during his presidency, why he deserves a considerably high grade, an "A+" even. Thrusting a nation, especially a young one like America, into war is never an easy decision, but it is clear that Madison made all the right decisions in this area. He solved many of the issues he set out to resolve, and left the nation in a much better state than it had been in the beginning of his presidency. For all of this, James Madison deserves such a grade.

When Madison was elected, many problems already existed that needed to be solved. He set out to do just that. British impressment of United States sailors needed to be stopped, as well as seizures of American ships. Trade with European countries needed to be restored. Land hungry Westerners and their struggles with the Native Americans in the region needed the attention of the president, along with the boisterous "War Hawks". In declaring war on Britian and beginning the War of 1812, Madison attempted and succeeded in ousting many of these conflicts. By the glorious end of the war, American's had regained international respect and put an end to impressment and seizures of their ships. The Ohio Territory and Western Territories were expanded, satisfying those thirsting for land, and the Native Americans had been quieted by battles fought within in nation. American industries had grown considerably, and trade was able to resume, leaving the country economically flourishing. Madison was able to accomplish all of his goals by winning the war.

It can be said that Madison's relationship with Congress was hesitant, but mostly supportive. With the War of 1812 looming over the country, there wasn't much of a focus on legislation in the United States. Before the war broke out, Congress backed Madison when they helped him pass Macon's Bill No.2 to replace the Intercourse Act. Later, although the voting was noticeably close, Congress also approved Madison's request to declare war on Britain. Together they chartered the Second Bank of the United States in 1816. Before retireing from his presidency he vetoed Congress' bill requesting funds for creating a system of roads and canals, but only because he thought it exceeded his constitutional authority. Instead, he proposed they create a amendment in favor of this idea.

It is clear that the action with the most positive outcome made by Madison during his presidency was the declaration of war on Britain. When the War of 1812 ended, it left the country flourishing. We finally gained international respect, and were able to resume foreign trade and travel without the fear of seizures or impressment. Years of restriction on this trade had allowed industries within the country to grow, and an industrial revolution was definitely in the future for America. The country had grown economically and had seemingly broken it's economic dependence on England. The Ohio Territory and Western lands were expanded, satisfying those wanting land. The military had also expanded to a considerable size, and was looked upon with pride. All of this lead to a heightened state of nationalism that swept across the country. All of these positive outcomes came from one very important decision.

The only negative decison Madison made was at the end of his second term as president. This was the vetoeing of Congress' suggestion for a system of roads and canals to be built. If Madison had passed this bill, it would have opened the country up to interstate trade by making transportation of goods much easier. Unity may have flowed from the project as well, as it would have literally "connected" the country. It would have definitely had a positive outcome, and did when it was apporved later in our country's history. Madison seemed ready to retire and unwilling to take on a project as large as this. He stated that it "exceeded his constitutional authority", and recommended that Congress create an amendment before trying the project again.

Madison's decision to declare war on Britain resulted in many positive outcomes that influenced future generations. The growth of industry because of his decision influenced people for generations afterward, turning economic interest towards industries. The industrial revolution in America can be said to have it's beginnings at this time, leading up to the much greater, revolutionary shift later on. Expansion in both the West and the Ohio Territory influenced future generations, as new families were now able to settle and create home in these areas that would exist throughout generations. Overall, this decision influenced the growth of our country.

As I have mentioned before, the country was certainly in a much better state by the end of Madison's presidency. With all our previous headaches resolved thanks to the War of 1812, we were able to flourish. Matters with the Indians in the West were smoothed over, and expansion was able to continue not only in the West,but also in the Ohio Territory. Industry was able to reach new heights within the country, moving some of the attention away from agriculture. The military was extended, and finally something to be proud of. American's gained an increased amount of respect internationally during this time, which pleased them. Along with the other factors, this respect brought about feelings of nationalism, and an overall sense of goodwill. The country was now in a much better state, which is why Madison absolutely deserves his grade of an "A+".

__Sources__:

Degregorio, William. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents--6th Edition: Includes Material through 2005 (Complete Book of Us Presidents)//. 6 Updated ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2005. Print.

Bailey, Thomas, Lizabeth Cohen, and David M. Kennedy. //The American Pageant: A History of the American People//. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2009. Print.