American History

 Jefferson believed in smaller government and his first actions as President were to reduce the departments and workers of the federal government and to reduce taxes.  Supported the Supreme Court decision of Marbury vs. Madison, which increased the power of the Supreme Court  Gave the Supreme Court the power to decide if the laws of Congress are Constitutional

 Jefferson was encouraging Americans to buy land to the West and settle there. Places like Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and the Indiana territory.  Approved of the purchase of a large amount of land West of the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains, which is considered one of the best land deals in history.  Jefferson sent the famous duo of Meriweather Lewis and William Clark to explore and record info about the purchase.

 Cost America $15 million dollars (the land today is worth 400 times more than that)  14 states or part of states fall in the purchase area  Over 15 million people live in that area today  Area is over a million square miles

 Jefferson’s policies were popular, and people were extremely happy with the Louisiana Purchase.  In seeking re-election, Jefferson’s primary rival Alexander Hamilton was killed in a dual with Aaron Burr.  Jefferson won in a landslide victory, making him the first president to win re-election.

 Jefferson’s second term was filled with turmoil and international issues  France and Great Britain were seizing American ships and sailors, and Jefferson’s limited navy was unable to stand up to the superior navies of France and England.  In 1807, Jefferson imposed an embargo, or trade restrictions, on Europe. The embargo only hurt American business, and destroyed the popularity of Jefferson. He lost the election of 1808.