The Era of Jeffersonian Democracy

Election of 1800

Jefferson Considers his win a “Second Revolution” Wants to undo much Federalist policy ◦ Eliminates excise tax ◦ Not much else Peaceful transfer of political power ◦ From one party to another

Man of the People Swore off fancy clothes Ended ceremonial dinners Greeted people at the White House Didn’t speak in public

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Marbury v. Madison Adams appoints a bunch of judges ◦ Judiciary Act (1801) ◦ Federalist judges Republican Congress repeals act ◦ Judges don’t get jobs Marbury (one of the judges) sues

Chief Justice John Marshall

Marshall’s Ruling Can’t force Jefferson to appoint Marbury Rules the 1789 Judiciary Act unconstitutional Says the Supreme Court decides which laws are okay and which are not ◦ Judicial Review Many thought the states should decide

Jefferson shrinks military Afraid of gov’t power Shrinks Army, strips Navy Reverses stance on Navy ◦ War against Barbary Pirates “Shores of Tripoli”

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Louisiana Napoleon bought it from Spain ◦ Wanted Mississippi River for shipping/military Slave revolt in Santo Domingo (Haiti) ◦ Yellow Fever outbreak Napoleon abandons hopes for empire

Louisiana Monroe offers 10 million for New Orleans Napoleon offers whole territory for 15 Jefferson doesn’t think he can do it ◦ Constitution doesn’t say so ◦ Does it anyway ◦ Uses the National Bank to pay for it

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Jefferson’s Second Term France and England fighting ◦ Both attacking American ships/shipping British force American sailors into Navy ◦ Impressments Embargo Act (1807) ◦ Stop trading with both countries ◦ Ruins New England shipping