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Election of 1800
deadlock between Jefferson and Burr--race was left up to the delegates. Hamilton exerted his influence and Jefferson was elected. Burr became VP. Led to the 12th amendment (separate ballots for President and VP). Government changed hands (republicans-> federalists) in a democratic and organized manner.
Jefferson as president:
-enlightenment thinker
-valued the small farmer and the agrarian economy
-limited government power (protection of individual liberties)
-left Hamilton's financial structure -
Judiciary Act of 1801
Created a number of new federal judgeships (on the eve of Jefferson's inauguration) which Adams filled with Federalists. As soon as Jefferson took office the act was repealed. Not all the commissions had been delivered and Jefferson prohibited Madison (secretary of state from filling them) -
War with the Pirates
Jefferson refused to continue to pay tribute to North African pirates to protect American shipping. The Pasha of Tripoli declared war on the United States and Jefferson dispatched a naval squadron. Although we did not defeat the pirates, they agreed to a treaty more favorable to the United States. -
Marbury vs. Madison
William Marbury was one of Adam's appointees whose commission had not been delivered. He brought his case to the Supreme Court hoping Madison would be forced to give it to him. Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that although Marbury deserved the commission, he could not issue a writ of mandamus that would force Madison to deliver it. The authority for a writ was given to him in the Judiciary Act of 1789 but he declared this act unconstitutional. Marshall established judicial review. -
Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon needed money to finance his war in Europe and also needed time to devote his attention to putting down a slave revolt in Haiti, so he decided to sell the Louisiana territory to Jefferson for 15 million dollars. Jefferson wasn't sure the purchase was constitutional but he went through with it anyway and it was later ratified by congress. (example of Jefferson adopting Hamilton's take on implied powers). -
Lewis and Clark expedition
Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark to explore the Louisiana territory. The expedition was a great success and paved the way for further exploration.
-hoping to expand the fur trade through relationships with western indigenous tribes
-settling western lands would benefit small farmers
-new scientific information and geographic discoveries
-waterway to the specific -
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Impressment
Britain was impressing naturalized American citizens and even native born americans from American ships. This was in violation of American neutrality. -
Burr Conspiracy
Burr wanted to take control of a western territory (new orleans or some part of Mexico) that he would rule. He and Wilkinson raised a small army in 1806 but Burr was betrayed by a confederate. He was captured and tried for treason. Marshall ruled him not guilty of treason because a shot had not been fired. This increased animosity between Jefferson and Marshall. -
Orders of Council
Britain and France had reached a stalemate in the war so they resorted to economic warfare. Britain passed the orders of council requiring all shipment to france to be stopped in English ports so that they could be checked for military supplies (also to pay customs duties). Any ships that didn't stop at English ports were subject to seizure. -
Milan Decree
Napoleon declared that all neutral shipping using British ports or paying British duties was to be considered British property and seized. -
Jefferson in Review
-proved that a democrat could maintain a stable administration
-accepted federalist ideas on on public finance
-reduced the national debt
-supported internal improvements -
Embargo Act 1807
Jefferson hoped that ceasing all trade with France and Britain would force them to respect American neutrality rights and stop impressment. Turns out the embargo was an economic disaster