He delegated most management of slaves to other people, including Gabriel Lilly and William Page, who were both known to be too eager to use their whips. However, Jefferson struggled to get congressional support for the Louisiana Purchase and contradicted the Constitution to enable it. Jeffersons wavering and unstable system undoubtedly contradicts this belief. madison james president ohio states united history fourth ohiohistorycentral The nature of their relationship is largelyunknown,however it is unlikely their relationship was consensual due to the power imbalance between the two. Here is why. An expansive memorial stands in his honor in our nations capital, and he was chosen as one of the four presidents represented on our nation's preeminent presidential monument. First, in 1776, this future president crafted theDeclaration of Independence, shaping the American principle thatall men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.. Although the purchase led to large economic gains, nothing excuses Jeffersons disregard for the Constitution. The major message of Jeffersons inaugural address was conciliatory. Though he aggressively fought to eradicate Hamiltons idea, he nevertheless abused the power of the presidency to achieve his own ends. Back in 1790, the two secretaries had fought gruesomely over the structure of Americas economic system---Jefferson wanting to keep the current system of state banks while Hamilton wished to employ his idea for a national one. Jefferson thought that economic growth lay in land expansion in the west. A loss that only highlighted the moral decay already present a few years back. 
While many view the Louisiana Purchase as a positive thing, I have much cause to believe it was quite the opposite. In his first annual address to congress after taking office, he advised them to begin the construction of ships and equipment in times of peace, in an attempt to bolster the navy. After a four year war, in 1804 America claimed victory. Between 1785 and 1796, American ships were confiscated by pirates in Triopoli, enslaving the sailors and taking the goods holding off trade with Europe. The Constitution gave the government the right to regulate, trade but not to prohibit it completely. The French loss in Haiti ultimately forced that nation out of the WesternHemisphere, andled to the French surrender of the Louisiana Territory to the United States for a mere $15 million (the equivalent of about $335 million today). For a new economy like the United States, trade was vital to healthy economic growth. This philosophy, which served as the origins for the Manifest Destiny, uprooted countless Indian families and served as the foundation for the nations legacy of exploiting native land. With respect to differing views, the time has come to put Jefferson in the doghouse, right where he belongs. During George Washingtons presidency, the Federalists envisioned a strong centralized governmenta European style of rule, which conflicted with Jeffersons preference of a small government, that favored state autonomy. The Louisiana Purchase allowed for American acquisition of 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River. The Louisiana Purchase, the Barbary Wars, and the Embargo Act all illustrate Jeffersons propensity to act against his convictions. He also encouraged the exploration of the Pacific Northwest by Lewis and Clark, explorers who discovered many new territories. government jefferson thomas quotes He did make attempts to abolish slavery, but never ended up freeing any of his own slaves. However, the Constitution did not address purchasing land from foreign powers. The entire thrust of Jeffersons political position throughout the 1790s had been defiantly negative, rejecting as excessive the powers vested in the national government by the Federalists. madison james washington constitution president young state virginia sheppardsoftware history fourth While the reason for this came in the form of the very real threat of the Barbary States demanding tribute, it once again shows the man trading his ideals for pragmatism. The brutal treatment he enacted upon other human beings demonstrated his utter disregard for the rights of others. Jefferson changed his mind, going against all of his original principles and beliefs. The deal would eventually be called the ultimate bargain, but the ends do not justify the means. It is unclear whether the relationship was consensual or not, given the fact that slaves had no right to refuse sexual advances from their slaveowner. Jeffersons most famous achievement came in the second year of his presidency. Jefferson was a true connoisseur of the slave trade, owningover 600 slaves over the course of his life, roughly 200 of which he gained through outside means. First, the temporary cessation of the war between England and France for European supremacy permitted American merchants to trade with both sides and produced unprecedented national prosperity. Initially, the American government paid a ransom and annual fees to keep the peace. Second, in selecting Albert Gallatin as secretary of the Treasury, Jefferson placed one of the most capable managers of fiscal policy in the most strategic location. However, his changes would not last for long. This gave America the land from the Gulf of Mexico through the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains. Years later, he wrote,It is incumbent on those who accept great charges to risk themselves on great occasions, essentially arguing that it is alright to ignore ones most basic principles in face of a potentially great achievement. Despite the news organizations acclaim, I feel it necessary to question their decision-making. Politically, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was a substantial component of Jeffersons presidency. The fear he held of power being stripped from his bare hands blatantly overruled his ability to make good decisions. In his Virginia Resolutions of 1798, written in protest of the Alien and Sedition Acts, he had described any projection of federal authority over the domestic policy of the states as a violation of the spirit of 76 and therefore a justification for secession from the Union. Furthermore, it is dubious that Jefferson was even entitled to the land he sanctioned as an American entitlement. The Louisiana Purchase also stoked tensions that would lead to the deadliest conflict in American history. Though some think of him as a hypocrite, his legacy should be viewed as a wholenot just as a slave owner. It is only fair to judge him based on the time and climate in which he lived. The Constitution did not give permission for a president to acquire land from a foreign power. It is essential that CBS reevaluates their thinking. Of course, while he was a tyrant to the few hundred he ruled over, he was a retrospective joke on the world stage. Jefferson claimed that funneling funds from the national charter was essential to squashing this maraud. While at the center of several defining moments in U.S. History, youd seldom find any that werent drenched in hypocrisy and poor foresight on his part. In this light, a ranking of seventh seems spurious and unsubstantiated. Jefferson was known for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, only exercising his power if explicitly allowed. After viciously criticizing John Adams expansion of the navy, Jefferson still chose to employ its power in full force during the Barbary Wars. As President, hebelieved that the continuation of Southern slavery was crucial to the advancement of Westward Expansion. In fact, during his presidency, he owned more than 600 slaves. Jeffersonwasstaunchly opposedto the idea of Federal Bankwhen Alexander Hamilton first proposed it,but he used itto fund the Louisiana purchase. 
Thomas Jefferson is revered in history class as a defender of liberty, but in reality he was a brutal hypocrite who only fought for freedom when it served himself. The major achievement of his first term was also an act of defiance, though this time it involved defying his own principles. In doing so, he expanded his power as a political figure, broadening his grasp on the country. In his lifetime, Jefferson owned hundreds of slaves and was an active member of the slave trade, buying or selling more than a hundred individuals. As one of the largest slave owners in Virginia, Jefferson frequently engaged in human trafficking. In Jeffersons world, not all men were created equal. If the Louisiana Purchase was the crowning achievement of Jeffersons presidency, it also proved to be the high point from which events moved steadily in the other direction. However, Jefferson realized he had little support in Congress, and capitulated. Would slavery be allowed in the new land? He described his election as a recovery of the original intentions of the American Revolution, this after the hostile takeover of those ancient and sacred truths by the Federalists, who had erroneously assumed that a stable American nation required a powerful central government. Despite Jeffersons reduction in the size of the armed forces, he was still able to protect American commerce. Jefferson understood the power and legitimacy that this rhetoric held over his audience. Jefferson was certainly not one of our best. His insistence in moving westward resulted in the slaughter, pillage and displacement hundreds of indigenous tribes. Much of this language is evocative of the Founding Fathers texts. However, Jeffersons habit of hypocrisy appears in full force here. Many historians regard the land deal between the United States and France to be a revered tactical decision which bolstered American economy and allowed for future financial success. CBS News recently ranked Jefferson Americas 7th best president, but this couldnt be further from the truth. Despite having sacrificed his principles, Jefferson was elated with the purchase, calling it agreat achievement. Jefferson strengths as a leader and as a person cannot be denied, but neither can his weaknesses. Regularly receiving praise for his role in both the nations founding and his presidency---being ranked as the7th best president in a recent survey---few are quick to mention the rampant hypocrisy and incompetence that dogged his era. Few political figures deserve more credit in helping to establish our nations identity and ideals than Thomas Jefferson. Supporters of Jefferson might stop here and posit that hisall men are created equalproclamation set the United States on the course for equal rights for all Americans. Although the asking price, $15 million, was a stupendous bargain, assuming the cost meant substantially increasing the national debt. The danger of Jeffersons modifications is something that cannot be ignored. After the treaty with France was ratified, Jefferson became worried that his actions were not lawful. Although he believed in a small government, Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory, a deed that was not specified in the Constitution. This awareness starts in school, with lessons that force students to question common and fundamental misconceptions about powerful figures. Jeffersons response was the Embargo Act (1807), which essentially closed American ports to all foreign imports and American exports. Political discord is natural, and I dont mean to imply that each and every system of government should run seamlessly. This all circles back to the purchase. In hisinaugural address, Jefferson acknowledged,every difference of opinion, is not a difference of principle.While the principles of theDeclaration of Independencewere agreed upon in theory, Jeffersons views of implementation differed greatly fromFederalists who controlled the presidency. To alleviate his fears about legality, he retroactively proposed a Constitutional amendment that would allow presidents to purchase land for the country. Jefferson imposed the Embargo Act of 1807 to prevent American ships from being abducted by the British and French navies. A president whose major accomplishment had a mixed result, who also owned slaves, should not be held in high regard. While he supported equal rights and liberty for all men, he was a product of his time and of his home state of Virginia. 
When he obtained office, Jefferson also made no effort to abolish slavery or promote emancipation. This contradiction further delineates him as a weak-willed, deceitful leader. Events such asthe Louisiana Purchase, while monumental for the nation, perfectly exemplify Jeffersons loss of character. As chief author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson enshrined into Americas consciousness, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.. Would it be allowed in part of the territory? He was immune to good ideas, and this was one of them. But the President soon employed the very monetary infrastructure he eschewed to finance the expansion of the United States navy. Framing this language to serve against its intended meaning further demonstrates his apathy towards those who were not white, male and wealthy. By the time he left office in March 1809, Jefferson was a tired and beaten man, anxious to escape the consequences of his futile efforts to preserve American neutrality and eager to embrace the two-term precedent established by Washington. He went against his word, which made him a weak man and president. Purchasing the Louisiana Territory was a bargain by any standard, but Jefferson went against the very things he firmly believed in while doing so:theConstitution, state vs. federal power, and small, limited government. Even before news that the purchase was approved reached the United States in July 1803, Jefferson dispatched his private secretary, Meriwether Lewis, to lead an expedition to explore the new acquisition and the lands beyond, all the way to the Pacific. Indeed, many historians regard it as the boldest executive action in American history. As any children reared by them were automatically his property, Jefferson encouraged breeding, even stating that "I consider a woman who brings a child every two years as more profitable than the best man of the farm., It wouldnt be long before he participated in this behavior himself. Although considered by many to be one of Jeffersons chief achievements as President, the purchase was nothing more than a way for Jefferson, who believed in small government, to expand his political power. He saw the ever-increasing budget spent on it as detrimental and even dangerous towards the nation, citing the messages of war and trade it broadcasted to the rest of the world and, more importantly, America itself. Jefferson was in strong opposition. These discoveries presented more opportunities for American growth. As the King of Monticello, Jefferson owned over 600 slaves, and he wasnt afraid to use brutal physical violence to enforce order on his estate. Despite Jeffersons intensions of retaliation against Britain and France, the Embargo Act had devastating, and lasting, impacts on the Northern and coastal economies of the United States. As a giant of American history, his many titles certainly add validity to his name. Biting the bullet, he along his longtime partner James Madison, struck a deal with Hamilton that would satisfy both parties. While Jefferson was not committed to excessive federal spending he accepted the need for an larger navy instead of requirement to increase ransom payments. In fact, the credo of his party was The government that governs best, governs least. Jefferson believed in local self-government. Jefferson argued that some slaves require a vigour of discipline to make them do reasonable work. This blunt statement exposes Jeffersons apathetic attitude toward human bondage and his failure to afford basic human rights to all people. Jeffersons entanglement in international affairs would have disappointed George Washington, who implored future presidents to maintain neutrality. He was overruled in the end by Chief Justice John Marshall, who sat as the judge in the trial. One federalist declared, We are to give money, of which we have so little, for land, of which we already have too much.. The latter shows his clear racism and highly questionable morals. Jefferson first fought for states rights as Secretary of State, when he argued with Treasurer Alexander Hamilton over establishing a National Bank to assume state debts and create a line of federal credit. Jeffersons ideals of democracy still live on in the Constitution and helped to shape the virtue and morals of America. The second issue with the Louisiana Purchase was its effect on the issue of slavery. But it was still very much an open question whether, as Lincoln later put it, any nation so conceived and so dedicated could long endure in the absence of a central government along Federalist lines. These slaves were treated inhumanely at his plantation, Monticello. He benefited economically from each one of these slaves, therefore expanding his prominent grasp on society. The American West always triggered Jeffersons most visionary energies, seeing it, as he did, as Americas future, the place where the simple republican principles could be constantly renewed. Indeed, apart from his two inaugural addresses, there is no record of Jefferson delivering any public speeches whatsoever. Jefferson also got America involved in its first war since the Revolution. More importantly, however, the Embargo Act of 1807 was another astoundingexerciseof federal power, originally condemned by Jefferson, that he displayed in his presidency. As a Democratic-Republican candidate, Jefferson scorned federal power, but as president, he repeatedly abused his executive power. Hamilton was solely attempting to better the nation. While it was very much within his authoritative power to fight against thiscomplete contradiction to American values,Jefferson did nothing of the sort; he actually intensified it. It was not an example of minimal governance.The President previously viewed the system with vehement opposition, only to depend upon it when necessary.
While many view the Louisiana Purchase as a positive thing, I have much cause to believe it was quite the opposite. In his first annual address to congress after taking office, he advised them to begin the construction of ships and equipment in times of peace, in an attempt to bolster the navy. After a four year war, in 1804 America claimed victory. Between 1785 and 1796, American ships were confiscated by pirates in Triopoli, enslaving the sailors and taking the goods holding off trade with Europe. The Constitution gave the government the right to regulate, trade but not to prohibit it completely. The French loss in Haiti ultimately forced that nation out of the WesternHemisphere, andled to the French surrender of the Louisiana Territory to the United States for a mere $15 million (the equivalent of about $335 million today). For a new economy like the United States, trade was vital to healthy economic growth. This philosophy, which served as the origins for the Manifest Destiny, uprooted countless Indian families and served as the foundation for the nations legacy of exploiting native land. With respect to differing views, the time has come to put Jefferson in the doghouse, right where he belongs. During George Washingtons presidency, the Federalists envisioned a strong centralized governmenta European style of rule, which conflicted with Jeffersons preference of a small government, that favored state autonomy. The Louisiana Purchase allowed for American acquisition of 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River. The Louisiana Purchase, the Barbary Wars, and the Embargo Act all illustrate Jeffersons propensity to act against his convictions. He also encouraged the exploration of the Pacific Northwest by Lewis and Clark, explorers who discovered many new territories. government jefferson thomas quotes He did make attempts to abolish slavery, but never ended up freeing any of his own slaves. However, the Constitution did not address purchasing land from foreign powers. The entire thrust of Jeffersons political position throughout the 1790s had been defiantly negative, rejecting as excessive the powers vested in the national government by the Federalists. madison james washington constitution president young state virginia sheppardsoftware history fourth While the reason for this came in the form of the very real threat of the Barbary States demanding tribute, it once again shows the man trading his ideals for pragmatism. The brutal treatment he enacted upon other human beings demonstrated his utter disregard for the rights of others. Jefferson changed his mind, going against all of his original principles and beliefs. The deal would eventually be called the ultimate bargain, but the ends do not justify the means. It is unclear whether the relationship was consensual or not, given the fact that slaves had no right to refuse sexual advances from their slaveowner. Jeffersons most famous achievement came in the second year of his presidency. Jefferson was a true connoisseur of the slave trade, owningover 600 slaves over the course of his life, roughly 200 of which he gained through outside means. First, the temporary cessation of the war between England and France for European supremacy permitted American merchants to trade with both sides and produced unprecedented national prosperity. Initially, the American government paid a ransom and annual fees to keep the peace. Second, in selecting Albert Gallatin as secretary of the Treasury, Jefferson placed one of the most capable managers of fiscal policy in the most strategic location. However, his changes would not last for long. This gave America the land from the Gulf of Mexico through the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains. Years later, he wrote,It is incumbent on those who accept great charges to risk themselves on great occasions, essentially arguing that it is alright to ignore ones most basic principles in face of a potentially great achievement. Despite the news organizations acclaim, I feel it necessary to question their decision-making. Politically, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was a substantial component of Jeffersons presidency. The fear he held of power being stripped from his bare hands blatantly overruled his ability to make good decisions. In his Virginia Resolutions of 1798, written in protest of the Alien and Sedition Acts, he had described any projection of federal authority over the domestic policy of the states as a violation of the spirit of 76 and therefore a justification for secession from the Union. Furthermore, it is dubious that Jefferson was even entitled to the land he sanctioned as an American entitlement. The Louisiana Purchase also stoked tensions that would lead to the deadliest conflict in American history. Though some think of him as a hypocrite, his legacy should be viewed as a wholenot just as a slave owner. It is only fair to judge him based on the time and climate in which he lived. The Constitution did not give permission for a president to acquire land from a foreign power. It is essential that CBS reevaluates their thinking. Of course, while he was a tyrant to the few hundred he ruled over, he was a retrospective joke on the world stage. Jefferson claimed that funneling funds from the national charter was essential to squashing this maraud. While at the center of several defining moments in U.S. History, youd seldom find any that werent drenched in hypocrisy and poor foresight on his part. In this light, a ranking of seventh seems spurious and unsubstantiated. Jefferson was known for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, only exercising his power if explicitly allowed. After viciously criticizing John Adams expansion of the navy, Jefferson still chose to employ its power in full force during the Barbary Wars. As President, hebelieved that the continuation of Southern slavery was crucial to the advancement of Westward Expansion. In fact, during his presidency, he owned more than 600 slaves. Jeffersonwasstaunchly opposedto the idea of Federal Bankwhen Alexander Hamilton first proposed it,but he used itto fund the Louisiana purchase. 
Thomas Jefferson is revered in history class as a defender of liberty, but in reality he was a brutal hypocrite who only fought for freedom when it served himself. The major achievement of his first term was also an act of defiance, though this time it involved defying his own principles. In doing so, he expanded his power as a political figure, broadening his grasp on the country. In his lifetime, Jefferson owned hundreds of slaves and was an active member of the slave trade, buying or selling more than a hundred individuals. As one of the largest slave owners in Virginia, Jefferson frequently engaged in human trafficking. In Jeffersons world, not all men were created equal. If the Louisiana Purchase was the crowning achievement of Jeffersons presidency, it also proved to be the high point from which events moved steadily in the other direction. However, Jefferson realized he had little support in Congress, and capitulated. Would slavery be allowed in the new land? He described his election as a recovery of the original intentions of the American Revolution, this after the hostile takeover of those ancient and sacred truths by the Federalists, who had erroneously assumed that a stable American nation required a powerful central government. Despite Jeffersons reduction in the size of the armed forces, he was still able to protect American commerce. Jefferson understood the power and legitimacy that this rhetoric held over his audience. Jefferson was certainly not one of our best. His insistence in moving westward resulted in the slaughter, pillage and displacement hundreds of indigenous tribes. Much of this language is evocative of the Founding Fathers texts. However, Jeffersons habit of hypocrisy appears in full force here. Many historians regard the land deal between the United States and France to be a revered tactical decision which bolstered American economy and allowed for future financial success. CBS News recently ranked Jefferson Americas 7th best president, but this couldnt be further from the truth. Despite having sacrificed his principles, Jefferson was elated with the purchase, calling it agreat achievement. Jefferson strengths as a leader and as a person cannot be denied, but neither can his weaknesses. Regularly receiving praise for his role in both the nations founding and his presidency---being ranked as the7th best president in a recent survey---few are quick to mention the rampant hypocrisy and incompetence that dogged his era. Few political figures deserve more credit in helping to establish our nations identity and ideals than Thomas Jefferson. Supporters of Jefferson might stop here and posit that hisall men are created equalproclamation set the United States on the course for equal rights for all Americans. Although the asking price, $15 million, was a stupendous bargain, assuming the cost meant substantially increasing the national debt. The danger of Jeffersons modifications is something that cannot be ignored. After the treaty with France was ratified, Jefferson became worried that his actions were not lawful. Although he believed in a small government, Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory, a deed that was not specified in the Constitution. This awareness starts in school, with lessons that force students to question common and fundamental misconceptions about powerful figures. Jeffersons response was the Embargo Act (1807), which essentially closed American ports to all foreign imports and American exports. Political discord is natural, and I dont mean to imply that each and every system of government should run seamlessly. This all circles back to the purchase. In hisinaugural address, Jefferson acknowledged,every difference of opinion, is not a difference of principle.While the principles of theDeclaration of Independencewere agreed upon in theory, Jeffersons views of implementation differed greatly fromFederalists who controlled the presidency. To alleviate his fears about legality, he retroactively proposed a Constitutional amendment that would allow presidents to purchase land for the country. Jefferson imposed the Embargo Act of 1807 to prevent American ships from being abducted by the British and French navies. A president whose major accomplishment had a mixed result, who also owned slaves, should not be held in high regard. While he supported equal rights and liberty for all men, he was a product of his time and of his home state of Virginia. When he obtained office, Jefferson also made no effort to abolish slavery or promote emancipation. This contradiction further delineates him as a weak-willed, deceitful leader. Events such asthe Louisiana Purchase, while monumental for the nation, perfectly exemplify Jeffersons loss of character. As chief author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson enshrined into Americas consciousness, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.. Would it be allowed in part of the territory? He was immune to good ideas, and this was one of them. But the President soon employed the very monetary infrastructure he eschewed to finance the expansion of the United States navy. Framing this language to serve against its intended meaning further demonstrates his apathy towards those who were not white, male and wealthy. By the time he left office in March 1809, Jefferson was a tired and beaten man, anxious to escape the consequences of his futile efforts to preserve American neutrality and eager to embrace the two-term precedent established by Washington. He went against his word, which made him a weak man and president. Purchasing the Louisiana Territory was a bargain by any standard, but Jefferson went against the very things he firmly believed in while doing so:theConstitution, state vs. federal power, and small, limited government. Even before news that the purchase was approved reached the United States in July 1803, Jefferson dispatched his private secretary, Meriwether Lewis, to lead an expedition to explore the new acquisition and the lands beyond, all the way to the Pacific. Indeed, many historians regard it as the boldest executive action in American history. As any children reared by them were automatically his property, Jefferson encouraged breeding, even stating that "I consider a woman who brings a child every two years as more profitable than the best man of the farm., It wouldnt be long before he participated in this behavior himself. Although considered by many to be one of Jeffersons chief achievements as President, the purchase was nothing more than a way for Jefferson, who believed in small government, to expand his political power. He saw the ever-increasing budget spent on it as detrimental and even dangerous towards the nation, citing the messages of war and trade it broadcasted to the rest of the world and, more importantly, America itself. Jefferson was in strong opposition. These discoveries presented more opportunities for American growth. As the King of Monticello, Jefferson owned over 600 slaves, and he wasnt afraid to use brutal physical violence to enforce order on his estate. Despite Jeffersons intensions of retaliation against Britain and France, the Embargo Act had devastating, and lasting, impacts on the Northern and coastal economies of the United States. As a giant of American history, his many titles certainly add validity to his name. Biting the bullet, he along his longtime partner James Madison, struck a deal with Hamilton that would satisfy both parties. While Jefferson was not committed to excessive federal spending he accepted the need for an larger navy instead of requirement to increase ransom payments. In fact, the credo of his party was The government that governs best, governs least. Jefferson believed in local self-government. Jefferson argued that some slaves require a vigour of discipline to make them do reasonable work. This blunt statement exposes Jeffersons apathetic attitude toward human bondage and his failure to afford basic human rights to all people. Jeffersons entanglement in international affairs would have disappointed George Washington, who implored future presidents to maintain neutrality. He was overruled in the end by Chief Justice John Marshall, who sat as the judge in the trial. One federalist declared, We are to give money, of which we have so little, for land, of which we already have too much.. The latter shows his clear racism and highly questionable morals. Jefferson first fought for states rights as Secretary of State, when he argued with Treasurer Alexander Hamilton over establishing a National Bank to assume state debts and create a line of federal credit. Jeffersons ideals of democracy still live on in the Constitution and helped to shape the virtue and morals of America. The second issue with the Louisiana Purchase was its effect on the issue of slavery. But it was still very much an open question whether, as Lincoln later put it, any nation so conceived and so dedicated could long endure in the absence of a central government along Federalist lines. These slaves were treated inhumanely at his plantation, Monticello. He benefited economically from each one of these slaves, therefore expanding his prominent grasp on society. The American West always triggered Jeffersons most visionary energies, seeing it, as he did, as Americas future, the place where the simple republican principles could be constantly renewed. Indeed, apart from his two inaugural addresses, there is no record of Jefferson delivering any public speeches whatsoever. Jefferson also got America involved in its first war since the Revolution. More importantly, however, the Embargo Act of 1807 was another astoundingexerciseof federal power, originally condemned by Jefferson, that he displayed in his presidency. As a Democratic-Republican candidate, Jefferson scorned federal power, but as president, he repeatedly abused his executive power. Hamilton was solely attempting to better the nation. While it was very much within his authoritative power to fight against thiscomplete contradiction to American values,Jefferson did nothing of the sort; he actually intensified it. It was not an example of minimal governance.The President previously viewed the system with vehement opposition, only to depend upon it when necessary.