No. 5 James Monroe 1817 - 1825 "The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.“

Defining the Authority of the Central Government “Era of Good Feelings” Increased nationalism (pride in your country) Federalist party disappears = no political strife

Maintaining National Security Relations with Great Britain improved with agreements over trade disputes Tensions increased with Spain over boundaries of the Louisiana Territory and Florida Seminoles raided the U.S. and then were protected by the Spanish Gen. Andrew Jackson chased back the Seminoles and invaded Florida Treaty of Adams-Onis (1819): Spain ceded Florida to the U.S.

Setting up the Court System Maryland tried to tax its branch of the National Bank States could claim power over the federal govt.!!! McCullough v. Maryland (1819) – Supreme Court upheld federal authority by ruling a state cannot tax a federal bank Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) – interstate commerce could only be regulated by the fed gov, not the states.

Creating a stable Economic System Panic of 1819 – first major financial crisis in the United States

Foreign Policies Many European powers wanted to help Portugal & Spain keep or regain their colonies in Latin America Monroe Doctrine Americas are closed to European imperialism Violation would be “dangerous to our peace and safety” Promised to stay out of European affairs

Building a Military Built a stronger navy to protect our “Backyard” from European imperialism.