In the early 1800s, two parties developed with different perspectives on government and the Constitution. The Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, have always been characterized by strict adherence to the construction of the Constitution. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, were characterized by following a broad construction of the constitution. The presidencies of Jefferson and Madison proved this characterization to be somewhat accurate. Although Democratic-Republicans and Federalists supported their own ideas and views, they also did many things that contradicted them. The Democratic-Republicans began by fully and confidently supporting their ideas. In Jefferson's Letter to Gideon Granger (Document A), Jefferson outlines his ideas about how the Constitution should be interpreted and how they oppose the ideas of the Federalists. Jefferson also told Granger that he disagreed with the ideas of the Federalists and that it would "collapse the state governments, consolidate them into one, and that would result in monarchies." He also believes in a weak central government, a Democratic-Republican's idea, where the states control everything internal and only the central government is responsible for foreign affairs. In Document B, Jefferson's letter to Samuel Miller, Jefferson states that the president has no authority over religious exercises. This was exactly the belief of a Democratic-Republican. Not only does this document assert that the central government must be weak, but it also affirms the belief in a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Jefferson demonstrated his beliefs primarily through government. After being elected president, he began to "slim down," cutting taxes and the military, limiting government power, and eliminating Federalist power. During Madison's term, he also stuck somewhat to his principles. In Document H, he expressed his thoughts on the Internal Improvements Bill, recognizing the bill. Although he set aside some of his Republican ideals, he still vetoed the bill under a constitutional amendment. Overall, he remained true to his principles as a Democratic Republican. The longer Jefferson remained in power, the more Democratic-Republicans began to go against their own principles. The acquisition of the Louisiana Territory in 1803 was the most notable achievement of Jefferson's presidency, yet it demonstrated the inconsistency between his actions and his beliefs. Jefferson realized that there was no time for strict constructionalism due to the slow pace of the amendment process. This purchase violated his constitutional morality and his belief in a weak central government..