Rebecca+-+JMad+-+SP09

James Madison 1751-1836 Democratic-Republican Terms of Office: 1809-1817 Vice Prsident: George Clinton 1809-1812 Elbridge Gerry 1813-1814

Poor James Madison entered the Presidency at a rather troubled time. The economy was in shambles thanks to Jefferson's Embargo act and relations between Britain and the new nation were strained at best. Madison did very well considering the mess that was dropped into his lap and therefore earns a B+. Madison's first goals were to get the economy back on its feet and stop the impressments of American Soldiers on the high seas. It would have taken a good deal of skill to damage the economy further. He substituted the Non-Intercourse Act for the Embargo Act. This act banned trade with England and France but left trade open with other countries. When this had no effect, he repealed the Non-Intercourse act and passed Macon's Bill No. 2. This guaranteed trade to the country that would stop harassing American ships and ban trade with whichever did not. Napoleon agreed to these terms and trade was cut off with Britain. Though it appeased the French, this did nothing to deter British attacks. With the absolute death of the Federalist Party rapidly approaching, Madison's party held the majority in Congress. The aforementioned acts were passed with full cooperation of the congress and Madison. Congress ultimately declared war on Britain at Madison's request, but it was a group of congressmen known as the "Warhawks" that pressured Madison into his request. The executive and legislative branches were especially close knit during Madison's presidency. Madison's greatest and worst act are one and the same. The War of 1812 ultimately had a positive outcome, but, as our current situation shows us, war and a bad economy do not mix well. This was largely a spite war. Britain had spitefully been supplying hostile Native Americans with weapons and impressing American merchants. Out of spite at being treated so spitefully (yes, I am aware of the redundancy), congressmen urged war. New England then refused to send their militia and considered secession The War of 1812 could have been avoided and, on a global scale, had no effect. After the treaty of Ghent was signed, the countries returned to their pre-war states. No one "won" anything. No land was exchanged, no debts were paid, no hostages were exchanged, nothing happened. The world returned to the way it had been before feathers were ruffled. The nation itself benefited from the war. The Federalist's "treason" led to its final demise. The country was swept up in the era of Good Feelings, known for the lack of warring political parties and a strong feeling of nationalism. This Era lasted through Monroe's presidency and generally gave him a rather easy time of it. Madison's presidency left the country short one political party. Though Republican party can be traced back to the Federalists, this party never again existed. Madison's legacy is not in what he left behind, but in what he took with him. This party's loose interpretation of the Constitution threatened a tender young nation. Had this party survived and regained party, the document that still governs us over 200 years later could have been cast aside. Madison did several good things for the country, but an unnecessary war cannot be awarded an A. The war of 1812 lowers his grade to a B. I admit, I am a very tough grader. Only a flawless presidency could earn an A, and Madison, being human, made mistakes.

"Biography of James Madison." __The White House__. 19 Feb 2009 . "James Madison." __Internet Public Library: POTUS__. 2008. Internet Public Library. 19 Feb 2009 . Kelly, Martin. "James Madison Biography- 4th President of the United States." __About.com: American History__. The New York Times Company. 19 Feb 2009 . "James Madison." __Wikipedia__. 19 Feb 2009. Wikimedia Foundation Inc.. 19 Feb 2009 .