Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

Mr. Blais

Foundations of America

A Peaceful Revolution

• Jefferson won election in 1800 and served for two terms

• He was the first president from the Democratic-Republican party.

• His election marked the first time in modern history that political control of a nation was handed from one political party to another through a democratic election

Simplifying Government• Jefferson, as a Democratic-

Republican, believed in a ‘hands off’ policy of the federal government.

• He believed states and individuals should regulate their own affairs

• He also brought about an era of low taxes. He removed the excise tax on everyday goods which many Americans had disliked.

Cutting the Federal Budget• Along with cutting taxes

Jefferson also worked to cut federal spending

• He cut costs on military and defense– Reduced army from 4,000

to 2,500– Reduced U.S. naval fleet

from 25 to only 7 ships

• He also reduced the number of staff for the executive branch

Madison Takes Over• James Madison was

elected in 1808 and served two terms

• He was a long time friend of Jefferson and his politics mirrored Jefferson’s as well

• However during Madison’s presidency foreign policy took its toll.

An Attempted Continuation• Like Jefferson, Madison

was a Democratic-Republican, tried to limit government spending, limit taxes, and remain neutral in foreign affairs.

• Unfortunately for Madison, due to continued British interference with U.S. trade (impressment) Madison had to declare war on Britain in 1812.

Impact of Their Presidencies• The presidencies of Jefferson

and Madison helped strengthen our country.

• They both helped to:– expand our territory– limit government involvement

and spending– promote economic prosperity– and through the war of 1812

helped build self-confidence and a sense of nationalism across the country