Overview
This lecture covers Thomas Jefferson's presidency, his vision for America, and the contradictions between his ideals and actions, highlighting key events and policies during his time in office.
The Election of 1800
- Jefferson, a Republican, ran against Federalist John Adams in the first modern presidential election.
- The election ended in a tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, resolved by the House of Representatives after 36 ballots, with help from Alexander Hamilton.
- The 12th Amendment was passed after the election to simplify the Electoral College process.
Jeffersonian Democracy and Its Limits
- Jefferson’s election marked a shift toward more democratic politics, favoring the expression of common people’s opinions.
- Despite his slogan "Jefferson and Liberty," voting rights were limited to certain white men, with no liberty for enslaved people.
- Jefferson owned slaves, believed in white superiority, and used slave sales to finance his lifestyle.
Slavery and Gabriel’s Rebellion
- Gabriel’s Rebellion in 1800 was a major slave uprising in Virginia that was suppressed, leading to harsher laws against slaves.
- The event highlighted enslaved people's awareness of and desire for liberty.
- Virginia responded by restricting slave gatherings and making it harder to free slaves.
Jefferson’s Domestic Policies
- Aimed to reduce the size of the government, lower taxes, and shrink the military.
- Eliminated most taxes except the tariff and paid off part of the national debt.
- Shrinking the navy conflicted with foreign policy needs, such as fighting Barbary pirates.
The Supreme Court and Judicial Review
- Jefferson couldn't influence the Supreme Court, led by Federalist John Marshall.
- Marbury v. Madison (1803) established judicial review, allowing the Court to invalidate federal and state laws.
The Louisiana Purchase
- Jefferson doubled the country’s size by buying Louisiana from Napoleon for $15 million, despite no constitutional authority to do so.
- Sent Lewis and Clark to explore new territory, promoting his vision of an agrarian republic.
The Embargo and Agrarian Ideal
- Jefferson passed the Embargo Act to pressure Britain and France but devastated the American economy and spurred domestic manufacturing instead.
- The embargo was a broad use of federal power, contradicting his small-government ideals.
Jefferson’s Legacy and Contradictions
- Jefferson is known for drafting the Declaration of Independence but also for supporting slavery and expanding federal power.
- His presidency reflects the complexities and contradictions of American ideals.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Electoral College — system for electing the US president, reformed in 1804 by the 12th Amendment.
- Strict Construction — interpreting the Constitution as literally as possible to limit federal power.
- Judicial Review — the Supreme Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional (established in Marbury v. Madison).
- Louisiana Purchase — 1803 US acquisition of territory from France, doubling the nation's size.
- Embargo Act — 1807 law forbidding American trade with foreign ports to punish Britain and France.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the effects of the Embargo Act and the Louisiana Purchase.
- Prepare to discuss how Jefferson’s policies led to the War of 1812.
- Read about Marbury v. Madison and Gabriel’s Rebellion for deeper understanding.