The Election of 1800 - Thomas Jefferson Presidency
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The Election of 1800: Jefferson vs. Adams
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
With the first term of President John Adams coming to an end, the United States found itself divided between the incumbent Federalist president, and the challenging Democratic-Republican, Thomas Jefferson. This was the first real election between political parties and the beginning of a process that is now commonplace in American politics.
Storyboard Description
Thomas Jefferson Presidency
Storyboard Text
- STATES' RIGHTS
- INTERPRETING THE CONSTITUTION
- STRICT CONSTRUCTION U.S. CONSTITUTION
- LOUISIANA PURCHASE
- DOUBLE THE LAND!
- $$$$$$$
- Jefferson believed that state and individual rights should be upheld. He repeatedly reduced the size of the federal government, again exemplifying his belief in state and individual rights. Under Jefferson, property ownership as a qualification to vote was eradicated, allowing more ordinary citizens to vote.
- FOREIGN POLICY
- As president, Jefferson held to a "strict construction" view of the Constitution. This meant he believed, and conducted his duties, based off the actual, verbatim meaning of the document. He rejected the idea of implied powers. This viewpoint would prove controversial in his purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803.
- DOMESTIC POLICY
- Although controversial, Jefferson signed off on the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 between the U.S. and France. As Napoleon waged war in Europe, he no longer saw the need for the territory and needed funds. Jefferson, sending an emissary to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans, quickly jumped at the offer of the whole thing. It was bought for $15 million.
- EMBARGO ACT OF 1807
- Jefferson took many controversial measures in his foreign policy. For one, he embargoed trade against the French and British, severely damaging the economy. Furthermore, he made the largest land acquisition in U.S. history, buying Louisiana from France in 1803. Jefferson also aided the rebellion on Saint Domingue, helping them achieve independence.
- I'll TAKE it!
- New Orleans...you can buy it ALL!
- Domestically, Jefferson remained true to his party's republicanism ideals. He reduced government greatly, cutting taxes and the national debt. Jefferson helped establish a military academy to produce soldiers, in addition to arming ports with gunboats. Jefferson also helped initiate the Lewis and Clark expeditions to explore the Louisiana Purchase.
- In an effort to promote domestic production and trade, Jefferson signed the Embargo Act of 1807, effectively cutting off trade with Great Britain and France. Although his hopes were high for an increased self-reliance, Jefferson hurt trade and the overall economic landscape, in particular merchants and businessmen. The act was repealed a few years later.
- NO FOREIGN TRADE ALLOWED!
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