Characteristics Of Antebellum President

A president has always had high expectations to perform upon the moment they are placed in the authoritative position. In particular, the antebellum presidents dealt with a young nation that was developing immensely, resulting in each president accommodating to the needs of the nation after the previous. Each antebellum president contributed to shaping America whether the impact be positive or negative. A few presidents have been given higher recognition for the successful growth of the nation than others depending on their contribution to America. The criteria for being considered an effective president would include going beyond the nation’s need for stability and establishing goals of prosperity by ensuring the rights and needs of the people

In the election of 1841 William Henry Harrison took office, though unfortunately he died shortly after from pneumonia, making no contributions to America. Harisson’s term on record is the shortest in presidential history ever served. Another member of the Whig Party, Zachary Taylor, who became the twelfth president of the United States in 1849, also passed away shortly after being put into office along with his notions for preserving the Union. While the performance of these two candidates may have had an impact on the country their ideas rest with them, which is why they shall never be known for success. One president in particular achieved the criteria in order to be considered the most favored president, that being George

The election after Washington’s term expired the second president was elected, John Adam’s. Much like Washington he took on and continued Hamilton’s Financial Program for the logical reason that it was allowing the nation to finally build after becoming independent. However, once the nation began to gain financial stability Thomas Jefferson took a large risk regarding the nation’s income. He obtained a large piece of territory using federal funds, otherwise known as the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Jefferson’s risky action consequently resulted in an economic success. “The one prominent feature of Louisiana upon which all powers agreed as being both markedly fixed and of utmost significance for advancing national interests further west was the Mississippi River”(Library of Congress. 3). The gain in control of the Mississippi River provided a high economic opportunity due to the extensive internal trading access it would offer through the country. Although, the Louisiana Purchase was a success Jefferson’s decision of using federal funds to acquire the territory was a large move and nowhere in the Constitution did it state he could, questioning the expanse of power given to the presidential position, which one feared in