“No man can ever live up to the reputation that brought him to this presidency. » This is a quote from the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. A president holds one of the most important offices in the nation. He must enforce the laws, command the military, appoint federal judges, and run the country, to name a few things. He must make sure to listen to the people and their reactions to his leadership. In addition to being a good listener, he must be responsible, honest and courageous. The president must understand and be aware of how people perceive them. These are just a few qualities that make a president effective. Thomas Jefferson possessed some of these qualities and was a very effective and influential president. Thomas Jefferson was a great leader during his presidency, but even before that his leadership skills were put to use. Prior to his presidency, he twice served as a member of the Continental Congress, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, governor of Virginia, minister to France, and vice president to John Adams. All of these leadership positions helped him develop the skills needed to govern the United States of America. As a member of the Continental Congress, he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He had experience as governor of Virginia in managing people fairly and efficiently. Responsibility is a quality that most people agree that any president or leader should possess. A responsible leader should be able to do things like make important decisions that are best for the country. For example, Jefferson decided to stay out of the Napoleonic Wars between France and England because he thought it would be better for the country. This was effective because he could stay in touch with both... middle of paper ...... people's consciousness, which Jefferson possessed. From 1801 to 1809, he proved himself to be an effective leader for the States.Works CitedAbout.com American History. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. Find the data. Np, and Web. February 10, 2014.History. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. Humanities and social sciences online. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014.The Miller Center. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014.The Miller Center. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014.The Miller Center. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014.The Miller Center. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014.Monticello. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. Presidents of the United States (POTUS). Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. US Senate. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. The White House. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. Bailey, Logevall, Chudacoff, Blight, Katzman, Sheriff and Norton. A People and a Nation, Eighth Edition. Np: np, nd Print.