Dbq Reconstruction

Although Republican, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison used many of the Federalist ideals in America’s economy and foreign affairs. The only major difference between Republicans and Federalists were their views on constructionism and the power of the central government.

Jefferson established the Republican party only to restrict Federalist power in the government. In his early career, he believed in strict constructionism, or interpretation of the Constitution, and a weaker central government. After nearly 10 years in government, Jefferson gained enough experience before his first term as president to see that the United States had to be run with ideals of both the Federalist and the Republican party. During his first term, he maintained the already established federalist system and tailored it to his liking, instead of drastically changing the government. He kept the National Bank, and maintained the federalist economic strategy of European trade. He sacrificed his dream of a farmers nation to benefit the welfare of the growing United States.

In his second term, Jefferson adopted many of the old Federalist ideals, especially in foreign affairs. During the Napoleonic wars between England and France, he initially tried to keep neutral relations with both countries in order to keep trade with Europe. During the Louisianna purchase, he bought the property, which nearly doubled our nations size without consenting Congress, which directly violated the Constitution. He knew it was the right move at the time, and even being a Republican, he made the decision to go ahead with the purchase of Louisiana and three cents an acre.

James Madison kept even less to the Republican principles. By now, the Republican party was virtually just a less extreme Federalist party. During his presidency, he created a draft system, even though nowhere in the Constitution does it give the Central Government this authority. (Document D) Under Strict constructionism, he would have surrendered this power to the states,