In the stronger of two arguments presented, Professor Morton Borden argues that despite President Thomas Jefferson’s personal affiliation with the Democratic Republican party, Jefferson was more concerned with the good of the country as a whole than his own petty sectionalist disputes, and for that reason was willing to compromise with members of the Federalist party and his own Republican beliefs to do that which he believed was in the best interest of the country as a whole. Borden argues that the nature in which Jefferson won the election was in and of itself a compromise, as his victory ultimately hinged on the support of Federalists like Alexander Hamilton. Borden argues that the Federalists’ faith in Jefferson indicates their assurance that Jefferson would compromise on his own personal beliefs if the result was ultimately beneficial to the country. …show more content…
Jefferson’s belief in the need to eradicate political factionalism demonstrated an openness to compromise with individuals of differing views if it was in the best interest of the country. Borden further proves his point by citing aspects of Jefferson’s presidency, including the maintenance of the national bank, the declaration of war with the Barbary pirates, and the Louisiana Purchase. Each of these decisions conflicted with Jefferson’s Democratic Republican ideology, but he made them regardless of his personal biases because he saw that they would benefit the country as a whole. Borden argues that President Jefferson’s status as an American superseded his status as a Democratic Republican, thus leading to a presidency marked by compromise for the good of the country as a