So, in the handouts on Thomas Jefferson and his attitudes on slavery, race, the economy, society, and other things written before he became president, many of you thought that he was inconsistent in some areas (race and slavery among others) but yet consistent in other things (belief in agriculture and the need for more land).

As a man of principle, Jefferson tried to live by his beliefs, but when he became president in 1801, he had a chance to put his beliefs into action.  Though he hated banks and strenuously opposed the creation of the Bank of the U.S. in 1791, he let Hamilton’s bank remain intact during his presidency.  In other ways, he remained true to his principles.

As you look over the notes we collected as a class, I want you to answer the following questions:

1. Before he became president (and using the quotes we looked at on Friday), in which area was he most consistent and why?  And in which area was he most inconsistent and why do you think this?  
2. As president from 1801 – 1809 (and using the notes we compiled on Monday), in which area(s) was he most consistent?  Explain why.  And in which areas was he most inconsistent and why?  

Blog response due by Wednesday, October 26 by class.  Your total answer for both questions above should be a minimum of 400 words.