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James Madison Jr. March 16, 1751- June 28, 1836 King George County, Virginia Terms of Office: March 1809 – March 1817 (2 terms) Vice Presidents: George Clinton (1805-1812) – he had served as Vice President during Jefferson’s Second term; later he died in office in 1812. Elbridge Gerry (1813-1814) Political Party: Democratic-Republican America’s fourth president had a strong political background, similar to those of the previous presidents. James Madison was a Virginian Delegate, a member of the Council of States, delegate to the Annapolis Convention, and he drafted the U.S. Constitution. He was also Secretary of State during Jefferson’s presidency. Madison’s presidency deserves a “B-“due to decisions made leading up to the War of 1812, as well as the result of the War of 1812. Madison was left to deal with the aftermath of the Embargo during Jefferson’s presidency. Most of Madison’s presidency revolves around the War of 1812. Both failures and success to America were achieved through the war.

During Madison’s inaugural speech he lists his attitude and goals of his presidency. He says:

“ To cherish peace and friendly intercourse with all nations having correspondent dispositions; to maintain sincere neutrality toward belligerent nations; to prefer in all cases amicable discussion and reasonable accommodation of differences to a decision of them by an appeal to arms; to exclude foreign intrigues and foreign partialities, so degrading to all countries and so baneful to free ones; to foster a spirit of independence too just to invade the rights of others, too proud to surrender our own, too liberal to indulge unworthy prejudices ourselves and too elevated not to look down upon them in others; to hold the union of the States as the basis of their peace and happiness; to support the Constitution, which is the cement of the Union, as well in its limitations as in its authorities; to respect the rights and authorities reserved to the States and to the people as equally incorporated with and essential to the success of the general system; to avoid the slightest interference with the right of conscience or the functions of religion, so wisely exempted from civil jurisdiction; to preserve in their full energy the other salutary provisions in behalf of private and personal rights, and of the freedom of the press; to observe economy in public expenditures; to liberate the public resources by an honorable discharge of the public debts; to keep within the requisite limits a standing military force, always remembering that an armed and trained militia is the firmest bulwark of republics--that without standing armies their liberty can never be in danger, nor with large ones safe; to promote by authorized means improvements friendly to agriculture, to manufactures, and to external as well as internal commerce; to favor in like manner the advancement of science and the diffusion of information as the best aliment to true liberty; to carry on the benevolent plans which have been so meritoriously applied to the conversion of our aboriginal neighbors from the degradation and wretchedness of savage life to a participation of the improvements of which the human mind and manners are susceptible in a civilized state--as far as sentiments and intentions such as these can aid the fulfillment of my duty, they will be a resource which can not fail me.”

Some major goals that should be pointed out would be his want to continue sincere neutrality toward other nations, and to settle differences by peaceful discussion rather than an appeal to arms. Also his goal to stick by the Constitution (seeing as he wrote it) was a major point in his inaugural speech. He wanted to make sure that the rights granted to the States were maintained and were included into the success of the nation. He also wanted to promote development in agriculture and manufacturing as well as commerce. The War of 1812 was unavoidable. Although this disregards one of his goals of remaining neutral and resolving conflict by peaceful debate, other goals were achieved from the War of 1812. Economically, after the war ended, the nation took a step towards a more industrialized lifestyle. Also, one of his last acts as president included the vetoing of a bill that would improve the nation internally. His veto showed that he did not want to overstep his powers as president given by the Constitution, essentially trying to maintain state rights.

The majority party in Congress during Madison’s presidency was held by the Republicans. Some legislation that was passed leading up to the War of 1812 includes the Non-Intercourse Act (1809-1810) and Macon’s Bill No. 2 (1810). Both of these were passed in response to the Embargo Acts during Jefferson’s presidency. The Non-Intercourse Act allowed U.S. trade with all other nations except France and Britain unless they respected the neutrality of American ships (this could also be away he was trying to ensure neutrality, one of his goals as president), if they were to respect neutrality then they would be removed from this restriction. Seeing as this had no effect, the Act was repealed and Macon’s Bill was put into action. This bill stated either France or Britain could agree to neutrality and trade would be restricted with the other. France agreed to these terms. Also, at the end of his presidency, as mentioned above, Madison vetoed a bill that would promote internal improvements. The bill would be permitting federal funds for the building of highways and canals. This was vetoed due to the Federal government not having that power established by the Constitution. Instead he suggested a Constitutional amendment. In total Madison vetoed seven bills. Overall, Madison’s relationship with Congress could be described as fair. Although there were disagreements about war and legislation, decisions were made to benefit America and to follow the Constitution.

It could be said that both the successes and failures of Madison’s presidency were made through the War of 1812. All major events that occurred during his presidency include the build up before the war and the aftermath. The War of 1812 could be called a success because in the end, America had gained economic independence from Britain. Some even call this war the “Second War of Independence.” By going into war with Britain twice and coming out without loss, gained America respect as a nation. There was a greater sense of nationalism as well. Toward the end of the war (actually after the war had ended), America had defeated the British in a battle. This battle was one of British’s worst defeats. This led America to have a big moral boost. With having economic freedom and a new sense of nationalism, America was on a better path. There was growth in industrialization and agriculture. Overall, though there was not a material gain from the war, America was now economically independent and had nationalism in mind. This transitioned into the “Era of Good Feelings” during Monroe’s presidency.

Madison’s failures as presidency also resulted from the War of 1812. The reasons for entering the war included British impressments and disregard of American maritime rights, Indian conflict in the West that have been encouraged by the British, and lastly the rise of “War-Hawks” who saw an opportunity to seize Canada. After the Treaty of Ghent (1814) had been signed, nothing had changed. Thing basically ended in a draw. Conflicts that were apparent prior to the War of 1812 were still present and unsettled. There were also no territorial gains. The reasons for going into war were still here. Although morally and mentally there was gain for the Americans, physically nothing had changed. All disagreements including impressments were still a problem. Another thing that occurred from the War of 1812 was the Hartford Convention. Federalists opposed to this war gathered and thought that should separate from the Union. This thought was disregarded when Jackson won the battle at the end of the war. The idea of separation was still present during his presidency, this was minor due to the fact that the idea dissolved when American morals boosted. This ultimately created one party when the Federalist Party disbanded. Essentially, the problems that were present prior to the war were still there and there was not a physical gain from the war.

Madison’s presidency did benefit America in a positive way. He allowed the American people to have a more positive outlook, and bigger attitude toward nationalism. Also he made America economically independent. He raised the reputation of America by showing that they had fought Britain twice and not come out as losers once. Although there were no changes physically, he made the spirits of America boom. He transitioned his presidency into the “Era of Good Feelings.” Although the problems that were present before the war were still unresolved, he helped America. He helped them economically and mentally.

In the end, America was better off with Madison as president then it was before. During his presidency he followed the Constitution faithfully, and helped better the mindset of the American people. He helped America become economically independent from Britain. Madison deserves a B- for his presidency because his he didn’t really add to the nation after the war. His presidency was mostly a moral boost for the American people.

Works Cited  DeGregorio, William A.. "George Washington." // The complete book of U.S. presidents //. 6th ed. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books, 2005. 1-16. Print. "James Madison: Inaugural Address." //The American Presidency Project//. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. . Kelly, Martin. "James Madison Biography - 4th President of the United States." //American History From About//. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. . "Party Division in the Senate, 1789-present." //United States Senate//. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. . "Presidential Vetoes." //Infoplease//. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. .

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