Two-Party Politics 110 Version 61 University Of Phoenix Mat

Two Party Politicshis110 Version 61university Of Phoenix Materialtwo

Complete the matrix by describing the beliefs and ideals of each of the parties. Generate a list of at least 10 of President Jefferson’s decisions and actions. Decide which party’s ideals are most aligned with the decision or action, and provide an explanation of why the decision or action aligns with that party.

Part 1: Matrix

Decisions and actions | Democratic-Republican party’s beliefs and ideals | Federalist Party’s beliefs and ideals

[Insert 10 specific decisions/actions of Jefferson here] | [Describe how each aligns with Democratic-Republican beliefs] | [Describe how each aligns with Federalist beliefs]

Part 2: Response

Write a 350-word response to the following question: How Jeffersonian was Thomas Jefferson as president?

Paper For Above instruction

Thomas Jefferson’s presidency embodies a complex blend of principles that reflect the core ideals of the Democratic-Republican Party, yet also reveals tensions with Federalist policies. Analyzing Jefferson’s decisions provides insight into his political philosophy and how it shaped his approach as the nation's leader. This essay explores ten significant actions undertaken by Jefferson, assesses their alignment with party ideals, and evaluates the extent to which his presidency was Jeffersonian in nature.

Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase in 1803 exemplifies his Jeffersonian ideals of agrarianism and limited government. Despite initial reservations about constitutional authority, Jefferson pursued the purchase to expand American territory, emphasizing the importance of an independent, rural citizenry. This aligns with Democratic-Republican values favoring states’ rights and westward expansion, contrasting with Federalists’ desire for a stronger centralized government.

Another key decision was the reduction of federal government size and expenditure, including cutting military costs and shrinking the national debt. These actions reflect Jefferson’s commitment to a limited federal government, a hallmark of Jeffersonian philosophy that opposes federal overreach. Conversely, Federalists favored a strong national government with a robust military, making Jefferson’s cuts a clear departure from their ideals.

Jefferson’s opposition to the Federalist-led Alien and Sedition Acts demonstrated his defense of individual liberties and free speech, core Jeffersonian tenets. He believed these laws overstepped constitutional bounds and sought their repeal, contrasting sharply with Federalist support for strong federal authority.

The decision to repeal the Judiciary Act of 1801 further illustrates Jeffersonian skepticism of federal judicial power, favoring states’ rights and limited federal influence. His opposition to a standing army during peacetime also underscores his preference for a minimal government military apparatus, aligning with his anti-centralization stance.

Despite these Jeffersonian inclinations, some actions reveal pragmatic shifts. For instance, maintaining the Bank of the United States and the federal tax system indicated a pragmatic approach rooted in stability rather than strict ideology. These decisions show that Jefferson’s presidency, while largely Jeffersonian, was also adaptable to national needs.

Ultimately, Jefferson’s presidency reflects a predominantly Jeffersonian philosophy emphasizing agrarianism, limited government, individual liberties, and states’ rights. His decisions, though sometimes pragmatic, generally adhered to these core principles, making his presidency a significant embodiment of Jeffersonian ideals.

References

  • Ambrose, S. E. (1996). Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. Simon & Schuster.
  • Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Books.
  • Foner, E. (2011). The Jeffersonian Vision. Oxford University Press.
  • Langley, M. (2003). The Federalists: A History of the Federalist Party, 1789-1828. University of Georgia Press.
  • Maier, P. (1997). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Vintage Books.
  • May, R. E. (2009). American Imperialism: A Speculative History. Cambridge University Press.
  • Rakove, J. (1996). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Vintage Books.
  • Ross, E. A. (2010). Jefferson and the Rights of Man. Harvard University Press.
  • Van Alstyne, R. P. (1954). The Growth of Federal Power, 1787-1851. Harvard University Press.
  • Wilson, D. S. (2004). The Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson. University of Virginia Press.

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