Jefferson: A Pragmatic President
By: Sean Santiago and Dylan Garman
Pragmatist
A person who deals with things sensible and realistically in a way that is based on practical then theoretical decisions.
Financial Plan
- Jefferson kept almost everything about Hamilton's plan except the excess tax. This was pragmatic, because it went against his belief that the government having a federal bank wasn't in the constitution.
Lousiana Purchase
- Jefferson sent ministers to offer Spain 10 million dollars for New Orleans Port and West Florida.
- It went against his core beliefs of buying foreign land, but it also helped American farmers near the Ohio River Valley to have access to the Mississippi River
- River was key to farmers economic well being as well as a vent for surplus grain and meat
The Bank
- He kept the bank around even though it went against his core belief.
- It benefited the wealthier folk.
- Jefferson kept it because it kept the government's money in balance and contributed to the war's debt.