4.2 The Rise of Political Parties and the Era of Jefferson

Jeffersonian Politics (Anti-Federalist)

Jeffersonian politics refers to the principles associated with Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republican Party, which opposed the strong centralized government favored by the Federalists. Jeffersonians emphasized states' rights, agrarianism, and the belief in the common man’s ability to govern.

Democratic-Republicans

The Democratic-Republicans were a political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the early 1790s. They advocated for limited government, agrarian interests, and strict interpretation of the Constitution, opposing the Federalist Party’s policies.

Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase (1803) was a significant land deal in which the United States acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million. This acquisition doubled the size of the U.S. and was pivotal for westward expansion.

Lewis and Clark

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were explorers commissioned by President Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Their expedition (1804-1806) aimed to map the land, establish trade, and study the geography and native cultures of the region.

Strict Construction (Interpretation)

Strict construction refers to a legal philosophy that interprets the Constitution literally and narrowly, adhering closely to its text. This approach was favored by Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans, who believed that the federal government should only exercise powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.

John Marshall

John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States (1801-1835) and a key figure in establishing the role of the Supreme Court. His decisions often strengthened the power of the federal government and established the principle of judicial review.

Judicial Review

Judicial review is the power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This principle was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison and allows the judiciary to check the powers of the other branches of government.

Marbury v. Madison

Decided in 1803, Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review. The case involved William Marbury’s petition for a writ of mandamus to compel the delivery of his commission. The Supreme Court, led by John Marshall, ruled that the law Marbury invoked was unconstitutional.

Fletcher v. Peck

This 1810 Supreme Court case involved a land grant in Georgia and was notable for being the first case to strike down a state law as unconstitutional. It reaffirmed the principle that the Supreme Court could invalidate state legislation conflicting with the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Decided in 1819, this case affirmed the federal government’s implied powers and upheld the supremacy of federal laws over state laws. The Court ruled that the state of Maryland could not tax the Second Bank of the United States, emphasizing the necessity of a strong federal government.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward

In this 1819 case, the Supreme Court ruled that the charter of Dartmouth College constituted a contract that could not be impaired by the state of New Hampshire. This decision reinforced the principle of contract rights and limited state interference in private institutions.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Decided in 1824, this case clarified the scope of Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had the authority to regulate interstate commerce, invalidating a New York law that granted a monopoly on steamboat operations.