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6.03Notes Guide
“Jefferson’s Administration”
Answer the6.03 Notes Guide as you review the lesson.
Intro:
Analyze the image. Choose three characters or objects that stand out.
Write one sentence about each to describe its significance.
Is the artist's depiction of Thomas Jefferson positive or negative? Which political is most likely responsible for publishing the cartoon?
Jefferson’s Domestic Policy
Upon the resolution of the disputed Election of 1800, and Aaron Burr were sworn in as our nation's third President and Vice President. As a result of the deadlock over the election of 1800, Congress passed the which called for electors to cast separate ballots for President and Vice President.
During his two terms in office, Jefferson dealt with a wide range of domestic policy issues that challenged his goal of reducing the influence of the national government in the lives of the people.
Jefferson increased states’ rights, reduced the role of the federal government, and sent warships to fight off the coast of Africa.
The Louisiana Purchase
Perhaps one of Thomas Jefferson’s greatest accomplishments was the Louisiana Purchase. Shortly after taking office, Jefferson sent two delegates to to negotiate a deal that would allow the U.S. to own the important port city of New Orleans, as well as gain control over Florida. Prior to their departure, Jefferson instructed the delegates to offer $10million for control of the two properties.
Upon their arrival, the delegates were surprised by offer to sale the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million. They were not commissioned to buy the entire territory, nor were they instructed to spend $15 million. In the end, the delegates agreed to the which more than doubled the size of the nation.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
After the deal was made, Jefferson hired Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the new territory. These two expedition team leaders were referred to as .
The set out during the spring of 1804. Along the way they hired an Indian woman named that served as an invaluable resource for the expedition. In the end the expedition was a great success and paved the way for future settlement in the area.
Jefferson hoped to make contact with the Native Americans, discover the plant and animal life in the area, and find aamong other things.
The Marshall Court
One of the most challenging issues for Jefferson was dealing with the Supreme Court. Remember that just before his term ended, John Adams appointed , a long-time Federalist, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a position he held until his death.
During his 34 years as Chief Justice, Marshall helped build the respect and authority of the Supreme Court. Marshall established important principles of constitutional law in many landmark cases.
Marbury v. Madison
Jefferson’s attempt to suppress the activities of Federalist judges resulted in the landmark court decision, , which greatly enhanced the power of the national government by giving the judiciary the power of judicial review.
allows the federal courts to review state laws and court decisions to determine if they are constitutional. The case involved the "midnight appointment” of during Adams' final hours in office. In the end, Marbury received his commission, but the larger effect of the ruling was that it established the power of judicial review.
Future Landmark Cases
Chief Justice Marshall also presided over the landmark cases that strengthened the power of the federal government in the economy.
Marshall ruled in that Congress has the authority to create a national bank. Further, it reinforced the idea of implied powers or the ability of Congress to make laws “necessary and proper” to carry out its powers.
In in 1824, Marshall ruled that states cannot regulate trade on interstate waterways, which basically gives the federal government authority over all types of .
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia
Chief Justice Marshall also presided over a landmark case involving the state of Georgia’s removal of the Cherokee from their land, which we will study in an upcoming unit. The Cherokee sued to regain their land. In 1831, Marshall ruled in that the Cherokee were not U.S. citizens nor were they a foreign country and therefore had no legal standing in American courts.
The decision led to another case in 1832, , in which Marshall ruled that Georgia had no authority over the Cherokee Nation. However, Georgia and President Jackson refused to enforce the ruling. The infamous Trail of Tears occurred a few years later.
Hamilton and Burr Scandal
During Jefferson's second term in office he had to deal with a scandal involving the former Vice President . Since serving as Vice President, Burr had unsuccessful run for Governor of New York and was involved in a scheme that called for the secession of the New England states from the Union. However, his two plans were thwarted, due to the interference of Alexander Hamilton. Upset by the interference, Burr challenged Hamilton to a to settle their differences once and for all. In the end, conflicting political views cost his life. Burr won the duel but never regained his status as a respected statesman.
Foreign Policy Issues
The popularity Jefferson enjoyed during much of his presidency faded near the end of his second term with his handling of a foreign policy crisis. For years, Britain and France had attacked U.S. vessels at sea. Britain had even American sailors and forced them to serve in the Royal Navy. Americans were understandably upset by these actions and called for a response. Since Jefferson had drastically reduced the size of the military early in his presidency, he was left with one option to respond to the attacks, an embargo.
Tension Continues in Europe
Jefferson's decision to utilize a non-military response to foreign attacks angered many Americans. The eliminated all exports from the U.S. to foreign nations. The embargo designed to punish foreign nations for their actions, instead hurt Americans that relied upon exports for their livelihood.
This decision tarnished Jefferson's many accomplishments and led to his decision not to run for a third term in office. The situation left Jefferson widely unpopular and without a resolution to the international conflict.
Barbary Wars
The only declared war fought during Jefferson’s presidency was the . It was the first war the United States fought on foreign soil and seas. Barbary pirates off the North African coast had been capturing American merchant ships and demanding huge ransoms for decades. Jefferson sent ships to the Mediterranean to stop the piracy.
Thomas Jefferson Retires
Thomas Jefferson retired an unpopular figure after his second term as President to his home at in Virginia.