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Stephen Grover Cleveland Born: March 18, 1837 Died: June 24, 1908 Political Party: Democratic Terms of Presidency: (First Term) March 4, 1893-March 4, 1897 (Second Term) March 4, 1885-March 4, 1889 Vice President: (First Term) Adlai E. Stevenson (Second Term) Thomas A. Hendricks (1885); None (1885-1889)

President Stephen Grover Cleveland can be thought to be one of the most influential presidents in American history. Refuting this statement cannot easily be done, for Cleveland and his administration had not only saved America from an internal collapse, but had also set the standard for the future of America and future presidents. For this reason I believe that Cleveland deserves an A-.

In Cleveland’s inaugural addresses, he promises to with hold the integrity of the Constitution, which the people would be able to this promise in every decision in which he would make. He also promises to respect the powers given to the states versus the powers given to the Federal Government. Cleveland goes on to speak of his goal to improve the economy of America, not by enforcing unnecessary taxes, but by strengthening the bonds of foreign relations in trade and if required, war. The next topic that Cleveland discusses regards the Native Americans. He explains that Native Americans shall be treated fairly and honestly, offered to be educated in the American school system, and ultimately becoming a citizen of the United States. In contrast Cleveland declares that laws prohibiting immigration that has only the intent to take need jobs for Americans and no intention of acquiring citizenship. Finally, Cleveland shows support for different types of reforms being social, economic, and political.

During the presidency of Cleveland, America was in economic turmoil. It was decided that America would work off of the gold standard and use silver as a means of currency to inflate the cost of silver thus reviving America’s economy. Cleveland greatly objected this and to add onto the problem the economy was not getting any better. Cleveland had called upon his fellow Democratic members to repeal the free coinage provisions of the Sherman Silver Act. With this repeal the Federal Treasury’s gold was restored to safe levels and it marked the start of the end of America’s silver based currency.

Although Cleveland basically saved America from an economic implosion, he and his administration were not perfect. In fact at the beginning of Cleveland’s presidency the failure of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad set the ball rolling for the beginning of a depression. Other evens had played a roll in the start of the depression, but the failure of the railroad was how Cleveland and his administration had contributed.

Soon after taking office, Cleveland had the power to appoint people to government jobs. The jobs were usually given under the spoils system, however Cleveland announced that he would not fire any Republican office holder that was doing their job well and to the best of their ability. He also said that he would not appoint anyone to office based on party dominance, instead appointing those who with excellent merit. Although Democrats denounced Cleveland’s plan, the relationship between Cleveland and Congress was one healthy in nature. With Congress by his side he was successfully able to save the United States from economic implosion. However, Cleveland had to veto a lot of bills to get there, in result weakening the bond of Cleveland and Congress.

President Cleveland is most deserving of an A-. For he and his administration, for the most part, had interacted well with each other to make decisions that had benefited America for the better. More importantly Cleveland was able to save America from an utter disaster. The only thing that had gone wrong in Cleveland’s presidency was the failure of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. Without a doubt President Stephen Grover Cleveland is one president that can be awarded the honor of an A-.

"Grover Cleveland | The White House." //The White House//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. . "Grover Cleveland: Second Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." //Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. . Kelly, Martin. "Grover Cleveland Biography - Twenty-Second and Twenty-Fourth President of the United States." //American History From About//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. . amity, the Father of his Country our Constitution was commended for adoption as "the result of a spirit of, mutual concession." In that same spirit it should be administered, persistently seeking the recognition of their claims, the abandonment of local advantages, compensation will be found in the assurance that the common interest is subserved, and the general welfare advanced.. "Grover Cleveland: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." //Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. .