Thomas Jefferson Out-federalized the Federalists essays

Thomas Jefferson Out-federalized the Federalists essays During the time surrounding the ratification of the constitution, Thomas Jefferson was quite possibly the most pronounced and respected Democratic-Republican. His strict opposition of an overly industrious America, coupled with his fear of a tyrannical government, illustrated Jeffersons purely Republican views. However, during his presidency, his actions didnt always mirror his ideals. Turning towards Federalist views to solve some of the major problems occurring during his reign, Jefferson actually ended up Out-federalizing the Federalists. These Federalist views started to become evident even before Jefferson was elected president. In 1776, he designed and composed a Constitution for the state of Virginia. The plan included an effective system of checks and balances, including a lower house which was to be elected by the people, and a senate which was to be elected by the members of the house. When a different constitution was chosen, his criticisms emulated that of a strict federalist. Jefferson complained that the chosen system lacked a good system of checks. His reasoning was that the senate and house were both chosen by voters, thus making them too alike. This is when Jefferson concluded that the government, even when chosen by the people, still had too much power(Madaras and SoRelle 179). Perhaps the most prevalent shift of views occurred with the Louisiana Purchase. When Napoleon and the French signed the Treaty of San Ildefonso they regained title to Louisiana from the Spanish. Jeffersons initial feelings towards this movement were those of excitement because of his admiration and support of the French. These notions quickly and drastically changed when he realized that whoever inhabited New Orleans was, by sheer geographical location, Americas enemy. This area was the outlet where all of the produce of the western region of America left the country and traveled to markets a...