Jefferson's Presidency and Judicial Review

Jefferson's Presidential Actions

  • Pardoned Republican Editors:

    • Jefferson took the action to pardon editors targeted under the Sedition Act, which had been a tool for political repression during the Adams administration.

  • Reduced National Debt:

    • Focused on fiscal responsibility and reduced the national debt, moving towards a more financially stable government.

  • Tax Reforms:

    • Ended income and excise taxes, emphasizing the power of tariffs for government revenue.
    • Retained tariffs but removed burdensome taxes on the populace, aligning with his agrarian ideals.

  • Military Reduction:

    • Reduced the size of the standing army and navy to decrease government spending but established significant military institutions.
    • Created West Point Academy and the Army Corps of Engineers, laying a foundation for military training and infrastructure development.

  • Encouraged Agrarian Nation:

    • Promoted policies that supported an agrarian economy, reflecting his belief in the virtue of farming and rural life as the backbone of democracy.

John Marshall & The Supreme Court

  • Appointment as Chief Justice:

    • Appointed Chief Justice by President John Adams, famously known as a "midnight judge" due to his late-night appointments just before leaving office.

  • Tenure as Chief Justice:

    • Served as Chief Justice for 34 years, making him the longest-serving Chief Justice in U.S. history.
    • During his tenure, he upheld Federalist principles even after the party had diminished.

The 12th Amendment (1804)

  • Electoral College Reforms:

    • Established that electors must specify one candidate for President and one for Vice President during elections, creating a clearer voting process.

  • Jefferson vs. Adams:

    • Highlights the intense rivalry and political animosity between Jefferson and Adams, underscoring the polarized political climate of the time.

Judicial Review

  • Definition of Judicial Review:

    • The Supreme Court holds the authority to declare laws unconstitutional, a principle firmly established under Chief Justice John Marshall.
    • This power significantly enhances the role and power of the Supreme Court within the federal government.

  • Impact on States' Rights:

    • Through the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, which were negated by the Supreme Court ruling, maintaining the supremacy of federal law over state laws.

  • Key Quote on Judicial Power:

    • "It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is."
    • This quote underscores the judiciary's critical role in interpreting laws and upholding the Constitution.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

  • Case Overview:

    • Marbury sued for the delivery of his commission as a justice of the peace that was withheld by Secretary of State James Madison, following orders from President Jefferson.

  • Supreme Court's Decision:

    • Chief Justice Marshall ruled that the relevant portion of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional, thereby dismissing Marbury's claim.

  • Avoiding a Showdown:

    • The ruling strategically avoided a direct confrontation between the Supreme Court and the Executive branch, showing the Court's desire to maintain its authority but without overstepping its bounds.

  • Quote by John Marshall:

    • "I am John Marshall. Your argument is invalid."
    • This declaration symbolizes Marshall’s assertive approach during the proceedings, asserting the autonomy and importance of the judiciary.