Jefferson as President
Loose Constructionist vs. Strict Constructionist Two opposing views on the US Constitution Loose Strict A freer reading of the Constitution Allows the government to stretch the wording of the document. Examples: Alexander Hamilton (Federalist) Narrow interpretation of the Constitution Can only do exactly what Constitution says. Examples: Jefferson and Madison
Marshall Court & Marbury v Madison (1803) Chief Justice John Marshall expanded the power of the Supreme Court (SC) and Nat Gov’t. Marbury v Madison (1803): First major Supreme Court case Established Judicial Review: Power for SC to rule on the constitutionality of a law.
Jefferson’s Presidency Begins as a Strict Constructionist and slowly becomes a Loose Constructionist. Leaves a mixed legacy.
Louisiana Purchase Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon (France) in 1803. Doubled the size of the nation. Gave the US control of New Orleans and Mississippi River Easy shipping from Ohio River to Mississippi River to New Orleans Connects 3 major rivers (Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi)
Legacy of Louisiana Purchase Louis and Clark (and Sacagawea) explore new territory. Accelerated Westward Expansion Jefferson changed his views! Went from a Strict Constructionist to a Loose Constructionist (buying new land is not in the Constitution)