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on several issues. This eventually led to the emergence of two political parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. However, when these parties came into power, the line that separated the parties faded and presidents made decisions that didnt agree with the ideology of their parties. In Jeffersons and Madisons presidencies, these presidents did not follow their parties beliefs and the characterization of the two parties was not completely accurate. The division between the two parties began with the conflict between Hamilton and Jefferson with the conflict over whether the National Bank was constitutional or not. Hamilton believed that the Constitution should be interpreted loosely if it benefits the people. Jefferson believed that the Constitution should be interpreted strictly regardless of whether it benefited the people or not. (Doc A). During Jeffersons presidency, Jefferson made many decisions that conflicted with his parties ideology. (Doc G). For example, he agreed to the Louisiana Purchase. Although he knew that this purchase of land was unconstitutional, he agreed to it because it was for the better of the country. Also, during the French Revolution, when America was forced to pick a side (either the French or the Britsh), Jefferson picked neither. Instead, Jefferson decided to enforce an embargo which forbade the exporting of all goods from America. Many Americans despised the embargo so much they created a cartoon turtle, Ograbme. The people of America were surrounded by cash crops that had no place to go because they could not be exported. As a result, many people ceased to hail Jefferson. Those who were DemocraticRepublicans believed that Jefferson no longer represented their party because the Embargo revived the Federalist party (Doc F). In the end, American ships continued to be captured by Britain and France. During James Madisons presidency, Madison reworked the Embargo so that instead of not trading with the entire globe, America traded with every country but Britain and France. Once Britain and/or France repealed their commercial restrictions, then America would not trade with the nonrepealing nation. In 1812, America declared war against Britain with France as an ally. Although the navy was very successful and the army had brilliant leaders, in the Treaty of Ghent, America came out of the war having neither gained nor lost land. (Doc D). Following the war, the Federalists called for the Hartford Convention to discuss their grievances and to seek redress for their wrongs. The convention demanded financial assistance to compensate for lost trade and that the states have a say in an embargo, the admittance of a new state or war being declared. (Doc E). Coming out of the war, America had gained the respect of other countries and a strong sense of nationalism. Americans began to strive to improve their country through the American System which consisted of strong Federalist ideas. It began with a strong national banking system and a protective tariff. The revenues made from this would contribute to providing funds for roads and canals. The manufactured goods and materials that would travel along these routes of transportation would bring the country together politically and economically. However, the Democratic- Republicans drew the line with the bills for state improvement. The government believed that the state should provide funding for their own routes of transportation. (Doc H). Throughout James Madisons presidency, many decisions were made that did not apply to one
specific party and so the distinction and characterization of the two different political parties was not accurate. In conclusion, during the time period 1801 to 1817, Jefferson and Madison (both belonging to the same party) made some decisions that did not characterize the Democratic - Republican Party. As a result, the accuracy of the description of the party can be viewed as questionable. Help with conclusion?