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  • Essay / Changes within the Democratic-Republican Party in reference to the presidential tenure of Jefferson and Madison

    During the presidencies of Jefferson and Madison, Jeffersonian Republicans moved away from their strict constructionist belief toward a broader constructionist belief in order to protect the country from external threats. Simultaneously, Federalists shifted from their broad constructionist beliefs to more strict ones in order to undermine the integrity of the Republicans. The Embargo of 1807 and the Louisiana Purchase were important exercises of federal power, but presidents ultimately protected America. Although Republicans have defended their Republican values ​​by ensuring that the federal government plays a relatively small role in American life, this is an exception rather than a guideline for their decisions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"? Get the original essay The conscription of Americans into the regular military, although unconstitutional, was passed as a draft law conscription via the elastic clause. The elastic clause allows for the passage of more bills deemed necessary for this growing nation. It was necessary to pass the conscription bill to protect the population because there were not enough Americans volunteering for the military. Some historians might argue that by forcing Americans to enlist, they are forced to give up everything of value in their lives, but it is the opposite because, ultimately, this army protected the America from outside forces such as the British and Native Americans (doc 2). Similarly, in 1807, Jefferson passed the Embargo Act to prevent British ships from taking American citizens and integrating them into their navy. To do this, he prevented any American ships from leaving ports. Although this caused a depression that mainly affected the traders, it also saved their lives. It was the better solution than engaging in a naval battle and risking losing their lives for a country that wasn't even theirs. After the Embargo Act, no other American citizen was unjustly inducted into the British Navy. By passing this bill and law that was not explicitly written into the constitution, Jefferson and Madison ceased to be typical strict constructionists for the security of the country and its citizens from outside forces such as the British. Additionally, in 1803, Jefferson purchased Louisiana from Napoleon in order to create a buffer between the majorities of American civilization and many potentially dangerous Native American tribes. The Louisiana Purchase was the largest expansion of American soil in history. This was very different from the strict constructionist belief of meticulously following the constitution. By purchasing these lands, Jefferson not only avoided possible conflict with France, but also protected America and its citizens from Native American threats. Even though Napoleon was eager to sell his lands to America, if another country bought those lands or if France kept them, there was always a possibility of threat. Additionally, by purchasing this immense amount of land, the government was able to create a buffer between the majority of American settlers and the hapless Native Americans of the West. The rise of Tecumseh posed a serious threat to America's concentrated population. And since Native Americans lived primarily outside America's borders, this can be seen as an external threat. Tecumseh's strategy in 1809 was to unite all.