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Thomas Jefferson Born: April 13, 1743, Albemarle County, Virginia (formerly Goochland County.) Died: July 4, 1826 Monticello, Virginia. Political Party: Democratic-Republican. Presidency: 3rd U.S. President, two terms (1801-1805) and (1805-1809.) Vice Presidents: 1801-1805 Aaron Burr, 1805-1809 George Clinton. Before Jefferson had even stepped into office, in fact, he had been part of an identity change for the nation of America. His feud with Alexander Hamilton, the genius financial expert of his time, partially led to the forthcoming of two political parties that evolved into what we know today as the Democrats and Republicans. The politicians of the time period had not envisioned political parties to form. In the eras before, groups of politicians had come together for special purposes, but had fallen apart afterwards. In the case of Jefferson’s views against Hamilton’s though, parties for the future were created. Ideas of both groups spread, became more popular, and turned to formal parties that still exist today. During his presidency, a huge culture change that started to occur was westward exploration. As the Louisiana Purchase expanded America greatly, Jefferson had explorers Lewis and Clark make their famous expedition across the new land, with travel guide Sacajawea. This led to future expansion and exploration, uncovering the country we know today. As the third president of the United States, it was the duty of Thomas Jefferson to try and make a young nation more successful and unify them as a whole. He did quite a good job at this, in regards to pulling the economy forward, expanding the nation, and changing the face of politics. He did slip up in the Embargo Act, leading America into an unsuccessful arena, but otherwise, he was a success. As a brilliant politician from Virginia whom, in his lifetime became one of the most famous Americans of the time, Jefferson deserves a B grade for his presidency. President Jefferson wished to transition the power of the federal government from previously being very large and powerful, into becoming less of a power for the nation. He wanted the majority of the power of the government to be with the states and the population as a whole. He stressed unification as a nation in his first Inaugural Address, as hostility had begun when the two political parties were born. He wanted “equal and exact justice to all men.” He also added that he would strive for peace with all other nations, which he echoed in his second Inaugural Address when he stressed neutrality in the topic of foreign affairs. As Commander-In-Chief, he reduced government and military spending, as well as cutting the size of the armed forces. Jefferson’s relationship with Congress was quite a good one. He was backed by both the House and the Senate in that both houses were mostly made up of Democratic-Republicans. With their help, he began to reduce national debt and cut off internal taxes. Congress also played a role in securing the Louisiana Purchase, which proved to be vital, and the event that made Jefferson most famous. His relationship with Congress was a lot stronger in his first term than in his second, as some Congress members started to disagree with his ideas. The most well-known positive that came from the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, of course, was the Louisiana Purchase. It more than doubled the size of America. For 11 and a quarter million dollars, the U.S. received an extensive landmass previously owned by France. The country now had 820,000 square miles to explore, each acre only costing Jefferson and the Americans about 3 cents. Obviously, this was a tremendous opportunity for them to expand the nation, as the French were thoroughly omitted. Although at first, Jefferson was advised not to make the purchase, it turned out to be very successful, giving America the wonderful Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans, which proved to be vital. The Embargo Act sticks out like a sore thumb in Jefferson’s presidential period as the most negative of his actions. It put trade with England and France to a halt in 1807, as a shipping embargo was placed on both because of the Napoleonic Wars spreading through Europe. Trading with these countries became illegal. Some argued that the Act went against the Constitution. Jefferson believed it did not, as he followed the rules of it quite literally. The economy suffered immensely afterward. America lost money because its goods weren’t leaving the country. Instead, they were left to spoil. This Act was eventually repealed in early 1809, as it did nothing to help issues between France and England, but more to hinder. The most influential decision that Thomas Jefferson made was again the Louisiana Purchase, which America acquired from Napoleon Bonaparte of France. In hindsight, it was a steal for the American people. It allowed the westward movement over the Appalachians into the Midwest. New Orleans and the Mississippi became extremely important for trade and travel. As the population of the country grew, the extra land was fantastic for the people of America, and when Jefferson’s terms had passed, the U.S. started to become as widespread as it is today. In short, Thomas Jefferson’s presidency was successful for the most part. Pardoning the unruly Embargo Act of 1807, he pushed the nation further in the way of prosperity. With the Louisiana Purchase, lowering American debt, cutting military and federal spending, as well as changing the complexion of American politics, Jefferson did a commendable job. He deserves a B rating for his services.
 * Thematic Context**
 * Thesis Statement**
 * Goals During Presidency**
 * Relationship with Congress**
 * Positive Action**
 * Negative Action**
 * Influential Decision**
 * Conclusion**

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