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President: James Monroe Birth: April 28, 1758 Death: July 4, 1831 Political Party: Democratic-Republican Terms as President: March 4, 1817 – March 4, 1820 March 4, 1820 – March 4, 1825 (Two Terms) Vice President: Daniel D. Hopkins (Two Terms)

President James Monroe had two very successful terms. I would give the president a B for his time in office because he did a great job with congress and running the country. He had many things he had to deal with such as the Missouri Compromise, the Panic of 1819, the Monroe Doctrine and many others kept the president busy.

Overall Monroe was well suited for the position of president. Monroe went to the College at William and Mary then joined the Continental Army and fought in the American Revolution. Monroe rose to the rank of a Major and fought in many battles. He also studied law under Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson also made him Military Commissioner of Virginia. Monroe was also a part of the Virginia and the Continental Congress. He then became a part of the Senate. He was also sent to France as a Minister. He was elected Virginia’s Governor and assisted with the completion of the Louisiana Purchase. He also served as Secretary of State and Secretary of War. His efforts as president focused on trying to improve the country for the better.

Presidents Monroe’s goals were not very well established. One of his most important goals was to bring more nationalism to the states especially after the War of 1812. He went on many self-funded outings, to talk to the states about unity and the strength of our country as a whole. His presidency was known as the “Era of Good Feelings” and demonstrated how opposing political parties could work collaboratively. Another goal of the president was to protect the Native American settlements. He did not want the states pushing the Native Americans away. Overall, Monroe probably could have had more goals at the beginning of his presidency.

Monroe and the Congress did not have a bad or good relationship. Monroe was a very easy-going president who did not seem to have many problems navigating politically. Monroe being a Senator himself understood the congress and worked with them to solve the country’s problems. Monroe recognized the importance of equal power among the government’s branches, but used his executive power to veto bills that he thought were unconstitutional, like the Cumberland Road Bill. As most of the Congress was of his Democratic - Republican Party, they could easily work together on improvements. Monroe also affected the slave issue and championed the Missouri Compromise, which was a step in the right direction of elimination. Overall, Monroe did an exceptional job of working with the congress.

Monroe’s biggest accomplishment during his time in office would have to be the Missouri Compromise. The struggles between the North and South were escalating and the disagreements between the rights of slaves were causing conflict in the country. With the addition of Maine and Missouri, the Slave states and Free states were unbalanced. Monroe signed the bill and temporarily appeased both the North and South. The bill made Maine a free state and Missouri a slave state. This created an equal number of both types of states and eased the tension between them in the short term.

The Panic of 1819 was unavoidable for President Monroe. This occurred because the banks were giving out large loans that they did not have the financial resources to back. This in turn caused many banks to go bankrupt and go out of business. This affected the businesses they financed and the people employed by those businesses. There was also the issue of poor quality material imports from Great Briton and the cessation of imports from Latin America. Monroe had to face this difficulty, but he felt this was a natural process in the economic cycle. Many felt he did not respond with enough governmental assistance to solve the issue.

Monroe’s lasting impression and guidance for future administrations came with the Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine put forth that the United States would not accept European attempts to control the countries in the Western Hemisphere. It established foreign policy between the U.S. and other countries, which is still followed today.

Overall Monroe had a good presidency. He successfully worked to resolve issues and conflicts regarding the slave issue. He established a foreign policy that is still followed today. With these successes, Monroe deserves the grade of a B.

Bibliography 1. "American President James Monroe." //Miller Center Of Public Affairs//. 2009. Web. 30 Sept 2009. .

2. Kelly, Martin. "James Monroe 5th President." //About.com American History//. New York Times Co, Web. 30 Sept 2009. .

3. "Presidents - James Monroe." //White House//. Web. 30 Sept 2009. .