Final answer:
Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe each contributed to the expansion of voting rights during their presidencies, primarily for non-property owning white men, while other demographics continued to face disenfranchisement. The context of their efforts is framed by a broader evolution of democratic ideals and political pragmatism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe sought to expand voting rights in various ways, often catering to political realities of the time. For instance, Jefferson, known for the Louisiana Purchase and his democratic principles, contributed to the prevailing sentiment that non-property owning white men should participate in governance. Madison's tenure dealt with complexities of the era but did not see significant changes in voting rights. Monroe's era, known for the Monroe Doctrine, saw some shifts, such as in Connecticut and New York, where voting rights expansion for white men did not extend to other groups, indicating a racist orientation in early American democracy.
The broader context of voting rights during this time is seen through various lenses, including the problematic nature of the Electoral College, as well as the appeal to states' rights and the avoidance of the slavery debate by parties which eventually influenced suffrage discussions. It wasn't until later, with the influences of Jacksonian democracy and classical liberalism, that the proliferation of voting rights for white men, regardless of property ownership, took a firmer hold. However, this expansion often excluded women, Native Americans, and African Americans, indicating a selective application of voting rights.