He Focused On The Big Picture; Consensus Builder: President James Monroe's vision helped expand our nation.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)

Byline: CURT SCHLEIER

James Monroe surrounded himself with good people -- and he listened to them.

Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, was the last of the leaders who saw the country through the War of Independence to achieve the highest office. His two terms (1817-25) came during a pivotal period of American history.

The mark he left was equally huge. During his tenure, Monroe issued the Principles of 1823 (later known as the Monroe Doctrine), acquired Florida, settled the boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase (which he'd negotiated as James Madison's secretary of state) and extended America's claim of sovereignty to the Pacific Ocean.

To help him in the decision-making process, he met regularly with his Cabinet, comprised of some of the best minds of the day. This included John Quincy Adams, his secretary of state (and successor), and John Calhoun, secretary of war, among others of "substantial dimensions," according to former Sen. Gary Hart, author of the biography "James Monroe."

Calhoun was a Southerner and Adams a New Englander, so every section of the country was represented and given a voice. Monroe also met regularly with his predecessors, Madison and Thomas Jefferson, soliciting their advice.

It was Monroe's ability to build consensus that helped him create what a Boston newspaper described as the "Era of Good Feelings."