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=__**James Madison**__= Born on March 16, 1751 and Died June 28, 1836 Terms of office: (Two terms) March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817 Vice Presidents: George Clinton (1809-1812) and Elbridge Gerry (1812-1817) *George Clinton died while serving as Vice President in 1812 Political Party: Democratic- Republic Party

As president, James Madison contributed quite a lot and performed a moderate job during his terms in office. He deserves a solid B for all of his contributions and actions throughout his term in office. Madison overcame many negative issues America was previously entwined in, which contributed to globalization. Some of these issues included the tension that was present between Britain and the United States, along with the attempts to overcome and settle that dispute through Macon’s Bill No. 2, and also the dispute within America’s own borders. Also, the War of 1812 and its’ outcome had an important impact on globalization. It presented to the world the power of America and its’ nationalism. Although not all actions started out on a positive note, they all seemed to end well and are why James Madison deserves a solid B for his contribution as president.

The goals that James Madison initiated during his inauguration speech were both numerous and achievable. He wanted to keep peace and friendly relations with countries having the same interests as the United States, as well as maintain neutrality with more aggressive nations. Madison also wanted to hold the Union of the States as a source of peace, while supporting the Constitution as “the cement of the Union.” He also intended to respect the rights of the States and the people that made them up as a key part of the government system. Madison also strived to improve agriculture, manufactures, external as well as internal commerce, and the economy. His goals were all very attainable and Madison worked very hard to achieve them all. During his presidency, two goals among others were achieved. Two states were admitted to the union during Madison’s terms which accomplished his goal of taking interest in the States and their rights. The two states who joined were Louisiana in 1812 and Indiana in 1816. Also, Madison improved internal and external commerce by chartering the Second Bank of the United States in 1816. Commerce was strengthened because the Bank provided a way for the government to handle its financial affairs.

James Madison and Congress throughout his run as President had a relationship based on mutual respect. When first becoming president, rather than attempt to control Congress through personal influence, Madison remained passive with his power. Instead, he focused on foreign affairs, which were of great concern in the first years of his presidency with Congress. Furthermore, when coming to a close on Madison’s first term, in May of 1812, Republican congressmen unanimously nominated Madison for reelection by 82-0. Although relations with Madison and his Congress were for the most part very strong and bonded, there were instances that took a shaky stance. For example, in 1812, Madison came to agree that war was inevitable and a badly divided Congress declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. Not only was Congress divided with Madison’s decision, the nation as a whole was also divided, which added great disunity within our country. But, relations were still strong and in 1816 both Congress and Madison supported and chartered the Second Bank of America, which remained in operation until Jackson took office. Overall, the relationship between James Madison and his Congress remained trustful and strongly bonded when it came to most ideas and viewpoints.

During Madison’s first term, he came to agree with the War Hawks that war was inevitable. He was angered at Britain about how they were forcing enlistment upon American sailors to serve for England. Some of these men even ended up dying or being killed. So, on June 1, 1812, Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war, known as the War of 1812. The outcome of the War of 1812 was both the most positive and negative action that the president’s administration made. It was positive because America ended up winning the War and additionally marked the end of U.S. economic dependence on Britain. It was such a success that it is often referred to as the Second War of Independence. Additionally, domestic industry emerged when manufacturers supplied materials to workers’ homes, paid them for the finished product, and then sold the good. This expanded the force in our economy and led America to its’ first steps from a rural nation into an industrial one.

The War of 1812 however did have a negative outcome on the country as well. After the War was declared, congress was divided among those who supported it and those who didn’t. The country was also torn in two, with encouragement coming from the South and West, along with Republicans in high populous states such as Pennsylvania and Virginia. Opposition came from the North, especially in New England, which showed their disapproval by displaying flags at half-mast and public fasting. The New Englanders sympathized with the British and even supplied the British occupying Canada with supplies and foodstuffs which allowed British army’s to invade into New York. In a way, America was fighting two wars, one against Britain and one against their own nation. It could not fight a war as one nation with so many disputes and disagreements within the country. But even though the war had a negative outcome or effect and America was barely united and strongly divided, they jumped into a war with Britain. At that time Britain was the most powerful empire in the world, but America unexpectedly won, gaining them a fresh and nationalistic spirit.

In Madison’s last act as president, although he supported federal development of interstate transportation, he vetoed a bill authorizing funds for the construction of highways and canals. In his veto message he stated that a program such as this, though beneficial, would surpass Congress’s authority to provide for the general welfare. His recommendation was a constitutional amendment, although this wasn’t what Congress eventually decided upon. They thought it would be best to grant this power over to the states. Today, this bill, called the Bonus Bill, is still in use. The states are still the ones who hold the power for enabling funds to create or construct highways and roads. Money for this is collected through taxes and tolls. Without the veto from James Madison on the Bonus Bill, states today would not hold the power for regulating funds for roads.

After James Madison’s terms as president, the United States was far better off than it was before his run in office. James Madison not only led the country through a divided war against Britain and won; he also strengthened the economy through that war and even the nation as a whole. He was a man with very strong morals and values with compromise being a major solution to many problems he faced. His principals were constitutional and continue to shape our nation still today. Before James Madison died, he gave an envelope to his niece saying, “Advice to my Country.” He sealed it and ordered for it to be opened after he had passed away. The message read, “The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my conviction is, that the United States be cherished and perpetuated.” This last action that he exhibited showed his love and adoration for his country, proving to everyone how much better off our country was because James Madison served as president. =__﻿__= =__Bibliography__= "American President: James Madison: Impact and Legacy." //Miller Center//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <[]>

1803, January, an historic chain of events set into motion a tidal wave of change—one that would revolutionize the course of U.S. history. While Jefferson's political, private reasons were not always in sync, but privately he, and Madison firmly believed in western expansion for an ideal agrarian society.. "Biography | James Madison - James Madison's Montpelier... Restore Montpelier, Rediscover Madison." //James Madison's Montpelier - Restore Montpelier, Rediscover Madison//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. <[]>


 * DeGregorio, William A., and Sandra Lee. //Stuart//. Fort Lee, New Jersey: Barricade Books Inc., 2009. ||