Presidents Monroe and the American System
The primary concern of Congress after the War of 1812 was consideration of the "American System", Henry Clay’s program for federally financed internal improvements (primarily roads and canals) and a high protective tariff. President Monroe studied the matter carefully and traveled to many locations to learn more about the proposed roads and canals. In the end, Monroe stood by his Democratic-Republican principles and opposed a federal role in such construction projects, arguing that the Constitution provision to “promote the general welfare” was not met. Clay was more successful with tariff measures, securing passage of protective rates in 1816, 1818 and 1824.
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