Thomas Jefferson's actions as president did stay true to the principles expressed in his First Inaugural Address to a large extent. Jefferson's emphasis on equal and exact justice to all men can be seen in his efforts to reduce the power and influence of the federal government, and his support for states' rights. He believed in a more limited role for the federal government, allowing the states to govern themselves as much as possible. This aligns with his calls for the support of the state governments in all their rights and the preservation of the General Government in its whole constitutional vigor.
Furthermore, Jefferson's ideas about peace and honest friendship with all nations can be seen in his foreign policy decisions. He sought to avoid entangling alliances, preferring instead to focus on diplomatic relations and trade with other countries. This aligns with his principle of peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations. Jefferson also embraced the principle of encouragement of agriculture by promoting policies that supported farmers and rural interests. This included the Louisiana Purchase, which provided vast land for agricultural expansion.
However, it is important to note that Jefferson's actions did not always align perfectly with his principles. For example, his administration passed the Embargo Act of 1807, which severely restricted American trade with foreign nations. This contradicted his principle of peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations. Additionally, Jefferson's support for states' rights and limited government did not always extend to issues such as the expansion of slavery, where he made compromises that favored the interests of slaveholding states.
Overall, while Jefferson's actions as president did not always perfectly align with the principles expressed in his First Inaugural Address, they generally stayed true to his emphasis on limited government, support for states' rights, peace, and honest friendship with all nations, and the encouragement of agriculture.
Use the passage to answer the question.
Excerpt from Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, 1801
..it is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government . .. Equal and exact justice to all men . .. peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none; the support of the State governments in all their rights . .. the preservation of the General Government in its whole constitutional vigor . .. encouragement of agriculture .
In a paragraph, discuss how Thomas Jefferson's actions as president did or did not stay true to the principles expressed in his First Inaugural Address.
(4 points)
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