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//Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743-July 4, 1826) // //Democratic-Republican // //1801-1809 // //Aaron Burr (1801-1805); George Clinton (1805-1809) // Thomas Jefferson was a man of strong beliefs. This showed during his presidency as he took reign over America using his republican ideals. He shined during the Louisiana Purchase, but failed with his plan for the Embargo Act. All good presidents have strengths and weaknesses, as did Jefferson. His positives out way his negatives, but one cannot ignore his ignorance to reality when passing the Embargo Act. That is why I believe he deserves a B+ for his term.

The most important goal that Thomas Jefferson wanted to accomplish was to restore the values of the American Revolution. He was a Democratic- Republican and therefore wanted the government to return to the fundamental republican beliefs. He achieved this goal by small, but prominent actions. He refused to ride in extravagant coaches and he wore clothes made of cheaper cloth. During dinner parties, he sat his guests at round tables. This was so no guest outranked another. Jefferson had guests shake hands with each other rather then bow. All of these things set an example for American citizens to live by republican simplicity. Other goals of Thomas Jefferson were to have a restricted government, support agriculture, reduce the public debt, keep the states rights, and make sure the government had a limited role in citizens lives. All of these smaller goals, go along his main goal of republicanism. Which, as stated above, achieved by setting an example. During the first year Jefferson’s presidency, the Federalists were the majority party in Congress. For the remaining seven years, the Republicans were the majority party. This allowed Jefferson and Congress to agree on most issues and get along. During the beginning of his presidency, Jefferson worked very effectively with Congress to get many laws passed or reinstated: he brought back freedom of the press, stopped all internal taxes, and scaled down the Army and Navy just to name a few. When Jefferson was reelected in 1804, things with Congress were a little unstable. This happened because the Republicans in Congress were arguing heatedly with each other. The rebellions of John Randolph and Aaron Burr were particularly damaging to the relationship between Jefferson and Congress. But, Jefferson redeemed control of Congress and they were soon passing laws again.

The Louisiana Purchase by far had the most positive outcome out of all the things Jefferson and his Administration did during his presidency. In 1803, Jefferson made this purchase, which gave the United States all of the Louisiana territory from France. Essentially, it cost three cents per acre. 828,000 square miles were added to the United States. This doubled the size of America. With this purchase, exploration of the new western territory ensued. It led to the expansion of the United States, as well as people settling in the west. The Louisiana Purchase is looked upon as the greatest achievement of Jefferson’s administration.

The Embargo Act of 1807 gave Jefferson a bad reputation. It had the most negative outcome out of all the things he and his Administration did. On paper, this act seemed like a fine idea. After Britain and France harassed American ships, it seemed like a logical choice. This act prohibited American ships to sail to foreign ports. In return, no foreign ships could unload cargo at any American ports. This meant that America had no imports and no exports. The economy suffered greatly. Sailors, dockworkers, and anyone else who depended on sea trade, were out of luck. Farmers ended up with excess crops, because they had no one to trade with. All of the job losses caused frustration among the citizens. Not wanting to anger anyone anymore, the Embargo Act was repealed. The American citizens then struggled to get the economy back to where it was.

During Jefferson’s presidency, Aaron Burr was arrested and tried for treason after plotting against the government and killing Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson was asked to appear at the trial. He was also asked to bring papers that were relevant to the case. Jefferson refused to appear. He then decided to release only certain information from the papers. Refusing to appear, and releasing information he chose, instituted the guide for executive privilege. Executive privilege is the right given to the President to withhold certain information from Congress that he feels is necessary to withhold. Thanks to Jefferson, the President is allowed to keep information to himself as he sees fit.

In conclusion, I believe the country was much better off at the end of Jefferson’s term then at the beginning. After his presidency, the United States had doubled in size and was expanding greatly. He also gave back to American citizens their fundamental rights. He did have his downfalls, like the Embargo Act, but ultimately his positives out way his negatives. Therefore, Jefferson should receive a B+ for his actions during his terms as president.

Degregorio, William A.. "Thomas Jefferson." //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents)//. 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. 37-53. Print. "Founder Of The Democratic Party." //Thomas Jefferson//. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2010. . "Glossary." //2008 Election//. ProCon.org, 1 Jan. 2008. Web. 10 Feb. 2009. <2008election.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=1575>. Hemings, Madison. "Thomas Jefferson: Biography from Answers.com." //Answers.com: Wiki Q&A combined with free online dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedias//. Answers Corporation, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. . Mintz, S.. "Digital History." //Digital History//. N.p., 1 Jan. 2007. Web. 10 Feb. 2010. . "U.S. Senate: Art & History Home > Origins & Development > Party Division." //U.S. Senate//. United States Senate, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2010. .