THOMAS JEFFERSON

BIO

• Jefferson is famous for writing the Declaration of Independence
• before becoming president. He served on the Continental Congress and as a Minister
• to France. He would later be a major leader of the new Democratic- Republican Party
• Born in 1743 in shadwell. Died in 1826 at age 83
• Married wife Martha in 1772 and had five children

OFFICE

• Came second to John Adams in 1796, Became Vice President
• In 1800 he won the presidency
• Tied with Aaron Burr during the election until the House of Representatives
• Decided the election in Jefferson's favor.
• Served as president for two terms

ADMINISTRATION

• James Madison- Secretary of State
• Henry Dearborn- Secretary of War
• Levi Lincoln- Attorney General
• Robert Smith- Secretary of Navy

PROGRAM

• Domestic policy- Explore Louisiana Purchase and other unexplored activity
• Lewis and Clark successfully explored a great deal of the country
• Supported a more limited national government and agricultural society
• The weakening of the federalist party helped him get his policies out
• Eliminate national debt

PROGRAM CONT.

• Cut down the military and repealed taxes such as the "whiskey tax"

IMPORTANT EVENTS

• The Louisiana Purchase
• Burr Conspiracy- VP Aaron Burr allegedly gathered supporters to create his own country
• Was arrested with treason but his motives were never fully revealed.
• First Barbary War- First U.S. War on foreign soil and only war during his presidency
• Declared after U.S. Merchant ships were attacked by North African pirates

END OF TERM

• Jefferson retired after 2 terms

STATUS AS PRESIDENT

• On a public policy polling poll Jefferson ranked 3rd with 74% approval
• Historical Ranking polls traditionally have Jefferson in the top five out of all presidents
• He was very skilled politically and made some wise decisions