Random Thoughts of a Muddled Mind

In this blog post, I will attempt to demonstrate how to create an academic article, with a minimum of 5 solid links and at least two properly formatted and notated quotes from topic specific books.

Sample Topic: What were the defining elements of the presidency of Grover Cleveland?

Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland, America’s twenty-second and twenty-fourth president, was unique in both his route to the office, as well as his time in the spotlight. Cleveland, a lawyer by trade, was elected to his first major office, Mayor of Buffalo, New York in 1881 at the age of 44. Within three year, he was elected Governor of New York, as well a President of the United States when he defeated James Blaine by just over twenty-nine thousand popular votes and 37 electoral votes. He was a known for things our modern politicians are not necessarily associated with, especially honesty. Charles Evans Hughes said of him

The fame of Grover Cleveland is secure because of the ruggedness, the simplicity of his character, and because of his inflexible determination in executing his honest judgement. (Jeffers 344)

He took office during a time of immense political upheaval following the turbulent presidency of Chester A. Arthur, who took office after the assassination of James Garfield. As he stated in his first inaugural

Amid the din of party strife the people’s choice was made. bit ots attendant circumstances have demonstrated anew the strength and safety of a government by the people. In each succeeding year it more clearly appears that our democratic principle needs no apology, and that in its fearless and faithful application is to be found the surest guaranty of good government(Richardson 300)

It is doubtful that a man such as Cleveland could be elected today…which may be a scathing indictment of our current political climate.

Jeffers, H. Paul. An Honest President:The Life and Presidencies of Grover Cleveland. New York City: Perennial, 2000.

Richardson, James D. A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents 1789-1897. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1898.