The Louisiana Purchase 10/29

The Electoral College plays a significant role in electing the President of the United States.
Historical Context: Jefferson went to New York during the times leading to his election, aligning himself with Southern and Western political beliefs.
- Inaugurations used to occur approximately six months after election; Jefferson's inauguration was on March 1, compared to the current January schedule.

Delivered six months after the election, Jefferson emphasized unity in his address: "We are all Republicans. We are all Federalists."
- This statement aimed to heal the divisiveness from the election of 1800 and the political discord during John Adams' presidency (1796-1800).

Jefferson advocated for a small, agrarian government, countering what he viewed as Federalist overreach during earlier administrations reaching back to Alexander Hamilton.
Key beliefs included:
- The federal government was too large and powerful.
- This led him to cut the size of the army, eliminate specific taxes affecting rural farmers (whiskey, slaves, property), and allow the Bank of the United States to expire instead of renewing its charter.
- Focus on paying down national debt and empowering states.

Following the election results, Adams recognized the diminishing power of Federalists and countered by appointing "midnight judges."
- These judges were Federalist allies aimed at preserving party influence in the judiciary.
- Jefferson opposed these appointments, arguing that they circumvented the will of the people.
Upon his presidency, Jefferson instructed his Secretary of State, James Madison, to rescind unfilled nominations, leading to the pivotal case of Marbury v. Madison (1803).

The case arose when William Marbury, a potential judicial appointee, sued Madison for his nomination, asserting he was entitled to the position.
Chief Justice John Marshall ruled against Marbury, stating the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction.
- This established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review—the authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, reinforcing checks on legislative power.
Judicial branch depicted as referee, balancing power between Congress and the Presidency.

Marshall served for 34 years, significantly shaping federal power through landmark cases:
- McCulloch v. Maryland, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, and more.

During Jefferson’s presidency, the U.S. population grew from approximately 3 million (after ratification of the Constitution) to about 5.5 million by 1800, and approximately 7.5 million by 1810.
- Population growth rate:
- From 1790 to 1800: An increase of 1.5 million.
- From 1800 to 1810: An increase of 2 million.
- Rapid westward migration contributed to new state formations, such as Kentucky and Tennessee, and Ohio in 1803.

Farmers in the West faced challenges transporting crops back East due to the absence of railroads or steam engines.
To alleviate problems for farmers needing access to New Orleans for export, Jefferson sought to purchase the city.
- Under Napoleon, France controlled New Orleans and was reluctant to maintain North American interests.
- Louisiana Purchase (1803): For $15 million, the U.S. doubled its size, acquiring massive territory.

Jefferson’s action of purchasing land raised constitutional concerns, as the Constitution does not explicitly permit such acquisitions.
- He employed the elastic clause (implied powers) despite his strict interpretation beliefs.
Jefferson faced sociopolitical implications of integrating French and Spanish citizens into the United States, impacting his egalitarian ideals.

To explore the newly acquired territory, Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- Lewis, Jefferson's secretary, gained training in various scientific fields, and joined by William Clark.
- The expedition aimed to map the territory and find a water route to the Pacific.
- They encountered various tribes and significant challenges, such as harsh weather and scarce supplies.

Inclusion of diverse members led to interesting dynamics; for example:
- Sacajawea: An important guide who contributed to the expedition's success and was an advocate for peaceful relations with tribes.
- York: Clark’s African American slave, regarded as a valuable team member during the journey.

Ultimately, Jefferson's presidency represents a remarkable shift in ideology, showcasing a transition from small government principles to expanding executive power to address national growth and security during significant historical turmoil.
By the end of his presidency, he had contradicted his earlier principles, utilizing the elastic clause and expanding federal authority to enforce trade regulations and military presence.