A.M.D.G.
HIS 315K – The United States, 1492-1865
Exam II Notes (March 26
th
, 2012 to May 14
th
, 2012)
March 26
th
, 2012
Thomas Jefferson’s America
The Conservative’s Conservative
The Prefaces of Jefferson’s Presidency
-
There is a peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Republicans
-
The Federalists are fearful that Jefferson, a Republican, will undo some of the progress
they have made with George Washington (1789-1797) and John Adams (1797-1801)
-
The Republicans are excited to have one of theirs in office
-
What actually happens:
o
Federalists will breathe a sigh of relief
o
Republicans will not be satisfied
o
Jefferson is moderate
Opening Moves by Jefferson
-
In his inaugural address, Jefferson states: “We are all republicans, we are all federalists.”
-
Partisanship calms down
-
The government is riddled with Federalists as a result of the first twelve years of the
United States being under Federalist presidents
-
Jefferson doesn’t just come in and fire all the Federalists though
o
He keeps the good ones and fires the bad ones
o
He doesn’t want to create a
spoils system
Whoever is in power doesn’t just decide who is in charge
-
Jefferson is the first of three consecutive Virginia Republicans elected president
(followed by James Madison and James Monroe)
What Jefferson Wants
-
He wants to reduce the size of the federal government
o
Jefferson: “Look, the United States, overall, should be an agrarian society made
mostly of independent farmers.”
-
He believes deficit spending is healthy and wants to reduce the debt
o
Jefferson: “Look, the deficit promotes investment in the government from our
wealthy citizens and it allows our government to get behind and support our
economy.”
-
He wants to cut taxes and eliminates many taxes, including the Whiskey Tax
o
The only major sources of revenue for the federal government under Jefferson are
from the sale of Western land and taxes on imports
-
He cuts the armed forces
-
He cuts the debt
-
He believes standing armies are dangerous and supports citizen militias as virtuous
-
He brings a new style to the presidency
o
Cuts down on the pomp associated with the presidency
