Overview
This lecture examines the era of Thomas Jefferson, focusing on the major debates over federal versus state power, changes in government, and landmark Supreme Court cases that expanded the authority of the federal government.
The Election of 1800 and Party Differences
- The election of 1800 marked a peaceful transfer of power between Federalists and Democratic Republicans, a rare event in history.
- Federalists supported a loose construction of the Constitution, allowing implied powers for the federal government.
- Democratic Republicans, led by Jefferson, favored strict constructionism, restricting federal powers to those explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Jefferson’s Principles vs. Actions
- Jefferson envisioned the U.S. as an agrarian society with limited federal government, serving the "common man."
- He reduced federal power by repealing the whiskey tax and cutting national debt nearly in half.
- Despite strict principles, Jefferson expanded federal power through key actions.
The Louisiana Purchase and Federal Expansion
- In 1803, the U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling its size, although the Constitution did not explicitly authorize such purchases.
- Jefferson justified the purchase as necessary for his agrarian vision, despite strict constructionist beliefs.
- The purchase raised concerns over managing the territory and the spread of slavery.
Exploration and Assertion of Federal Power
- Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition (Corps of Discovery) and Zebulon Pike’s expedition to map and study the new territory.
- These explorations provided data for future statehood decisions and expanded federal influence over the region.
The Embargo Act of 1807
- The Embargo Act banned international trade to force Britain and France to respect U.S. neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars.
- The act backfired, damaging the U.S. economy and increasing federal control, contradicting Jefferson’s limited government ideals.
- Enforcement of the embargo included crackdowns on smugglers, further expanding federal authority.
Growth of Federal Power in the Supreme Court
- Chief Justice John Marshall increased the power of the Supreme Court, leading to major debates over federal authority.
- In Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Court claimed judicial review, making it the final interpreter of the Constitution.
- In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Court upheld federal supremacy over state law, using a loose interpretation of the Constitution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Loose constructionist — Belief that the federal government can take actions not expressly forbidden by the Constitution.
- Strict constructionist — View that the government should only exercise powers specifically granted by the Constitution.
- Judicial review — Power of the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws or government actions.
- Embargo Act — 1807 law banning U.S. trade with foreign nations, intended to secure neutrality rights.
- Louisiana Purchase — 1803 acquisition of French territory, doubling U.S. land area.
- Marbury v. Madison — Supreme Court case establishing judicial review.
- McCulloch v. Maryland — Supreme Court case confirming federal supremacy and loose construction of the Constitution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and understand the implications of the Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland decisions.
- Study the effects of the Louisiana Purchase and Embargo Act on federal power and U.S. society.