Theodore Roosevelt's Contributions to American Political ThoughtDuring his tenure as a public official, Theodore Roosevelt was perpetually committed to issues of reform. Well-read and well-traveled, Roosevelt expressed his broad range of political thought from experience and a desire to see the United States establish itself as a world power under the ideals of a democratic republic: a wolf among the sheep on the world stage. . The nation's 26th president laid the foundation for foreign policy as we know it. He pushed for reform among big businesses and rallied for workers' rights. Conservationism, as well as environmental protection and conservation, became issues at the forefront of Teddy's agenda. Another key contribution to American political thought was Roosevelt's idea of ​​the "New Nationalism", an analysis of American society and the roles that government and individuals should play. Theodore Roosevelt's progressive attitude, adherence to a strong moral foundation, and genuine concern for his fellow Americans define him as a quintessential American political thinker. Teddy Roosevelt always believed that to be appointed to public office, that appointment must be based on merit rather than patronage. In 1889, President Benjamin Harrison appointed Roosevelt to the four-man Civil Service Commission. This was to be the beginning of the implementation of Roosevelt's reform ideas. He wanted to ensure that all government appointments were made on the merit system. "There is no fear against anything and specific criticism is more urgent than against the 'spoils system', which is the degradation of American politics" (TR "Duties"). Ro...... middle of paper ......resident.Works Cited Abbott, Philip. Political Thought in America: Conversations and Debates. Waveland Press, Inc. Prospect Heights, Illinois: 1999. National Historic Site. "Theodore Roosevelt." http://www.nps.gov/thri/EdRTRBio.htmRoosevelt, Theodore. "Duties of American Citizenship." Speech given January 26, 1883, in Buffalo, New York. http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trdoac.htmlRoosevelt, Theodore. "The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine". Published December 1904. http://www.thedore-roosevelt.com/trmdcorollary.htmlRoosevelt, Theodore. Inaugural speech. Speech delivered in Washington, D.C., March 4, 1905 http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trinaugural.htmlRoosevelt, Theodore. "The new nationalism". Speech given August 31, 1910, in Ossowatomie, Kansas. http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/31.htm