Throughout the period 1801-1817, the government was ruled by the Jeffersonian Republican party, whereas the Federalist Party began to slowly fade away from public view. The Jeffersonian Republican party, led by Thomas Jefferson, professed to favor a weak central government through the support of more states' rights, "...that the states are independent... to...themselves...and united as to everything respecting foreign nations." (Document A). On the other hand, the Federalist Party, previously led by Alexander Hamilton, espoused the idea of a strong central government. The characterization of these two political parties during the presidencies of Jefferson and Madison were inconsistent with the professed position in the 1790's.The Jeffersonian Republican party was founded on specific principles, presented and created by Thomas Jefferson's ideal of the perfect government. The nation was thus divided into two ideals - the Jeffersonian Republicans and the Federalists - but as Thomas Jefferson rose to power, the Federalists ideals and influence began to fade. During the Tripolitan War, Jefferson used mostly the navy to fight and win the war, because of Jefferson's belief of a strong standing army was an invitation towards dictatorship. …
