Thomas Jefferson proved to be quite pragmatic rather than
idealistic as President. As a result, he often abandoned his previously held positions
when he believed it prudent to do so.
During his inaugural
speech, Jefferson commented
We are all Republicans—we are all Federalists. If
there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican
form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion
may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat
it.
Although he did repeal
the Whiskey Tax and other excise taxes, he did not dismantle the Bank of the United
States which he previously had bitterly opposed as he considered it a necessity. Later,
when offered the possibility of purchasing Louisiana from the French, Jefferson
considered a Constitutional amendment as his strict reading of the Constitution did not
give him the power to acquire territory in the name of the U.S. He did not wish to risk
Napoleon Bonaparte backing out of the deal, however, so he determined that his authority
under the Constitution to "make treaties" gave him authority to complete the purchase.
When asked about his change in philosophy, he
remarked
The
good sense of our country will correct the evil of loose construction when it shall
produce ill
effects.
Jefferson's
pragmatism and conciliatory policies won him re-election; but also made enemies for him
among the old guard Republicans who attempted to form a third party known as the
Tertium Quid, ("Third something.") They insisted on "old
Republicanism." Their ideas went nowhere at the time, but years later provided fruitful
argument for secessionists and states' rights advocates.
No comments:
Post a Comment