4.2_Notes on the Era of Jefferson and Federal Government Debates

Era of Jefferson and Federal Government Debates

  • The period marked by Thomas Jefferson's presidency (1800-1809) was characterized by significant political debates regarding the role and scope of the federal government in the United States.

Significance of the Election of 1800

  • Jefferson's victory in the election of 1800 was impactful as it demonstrated a peaceful transfer of power between two political parties (Federalists and Democratic-Republicans).

  • Before Jefferson, the Federalists, led by George Washington and later John Adams, dominated early American politics.

  • The peaceful transition was unprecedented, contrasting with historical patterns of violent power struggles.

Competition Between Political Parties

  • The rivalry between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans involved disputes over different interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.

  • Federalists adopted a loose constructionist view, advocating for broad federal powers not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

  • Democratic-Republicans adhered to strict constructionism, limiting federal actions to those expressly authorized by the Constitution.

Abraham Lincoln's A Push Heimler Review Guide

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    • Whole unit review videos

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Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans: Interpretations of the Constitution

  • Loose Constructionists (Federalists)

    • Believed the federal government could take actions not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

    • Example: Alexander Hamilton's argument for establishing a National Bank based on the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8).

  • Strict Constructionists (Democratic-Republicans)

    • Argued the federal government could only exercise powers explicitly granted, limiting federal authority to what was written in the Constitution.

    • Therefore, they opposed the establishment of a national bank as it was not authorized.

Jefferson's Administration and Expansion of Federal Power

  • While Jefferson championed strict constructionism, he engaged in actions that expanded federal authority:

    1. The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

    • Background: Following the upheaval in Haiti, Jefferson sought access to New Orleans for American trade to benefit farmers.

    • James Monroe was sent with $2 million to negotiate for New Orleans but instead secured the entire Louisiana territory for $15 million.

    • Jefferson was conflicted as the Constitution did not explicitly allow the president to purchase land from foreign nations; however, he embraced it for the potential benefit to agrarian settlers.

    • Opposition arose over the logistical challenges of governing the acquired territory and concerns over the spread of slavery into new states.

    1. The Corps of Discovery

    • Commissioned by Jefferson to explore and map the new territory.

    • Expeditions led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark documented the Northwest Territory.

    • Similar explorations by Zebulon Pike focused on the southern territories, providing critical geographic information which bolstered federal control over the developments in these regions.

    1. Embargo Act of 1807

    • Enacted amid escalating tensions during the Napoleonic Wars, aiming to enforce U.S. neutrality by halting international trade.

    • Resulted in unintended economic hardships, harming American merchants and the economy whilst limiting trade.

    • Jefferson's intent was to compel Britain and France to respect U.S. neutrality, yet the act led to widespread distress among various American sectors, showcasing a paradox in restricted federal overreach.

Expansion of Federal Power and the Supreme Court

  • The period saw a marked expansion in the power and authority of the Supreme Court, driven primarily by Chief Justice John Marshall:

    • Marbury v. Madison (1803)

      • Context: Adams' midnight appointments led to a confrontation with the Jefferson administration when Madison refused to deliver commissions to newly appointed judges.

      • Marshall's decision not only upheld the lack of power to compel Madison but also established the principle of judicial review, asserting the judiciary's role as the final interpreter of the Constitution.

      • This increased the authority of the Supreme Court and defined its role within the framework of checks and balances.

    • McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

      • Addressed the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States amid state objectors.

      • Marshall upheld the bank's existence based on a loose interpretation of the Necessary and Proper Clause, asserting federal supremacy over state law.

      • Illustrated the ongoing tension regarding state versus federal power and further expanded federal authority during this period.