1. Jeffersonian Philosophy and Overview of Jefferson’s Presidency
Jeffersonian America
Jeffersonian Philosophy and
Overview of Jefferson’s Presidency

2. The Death of George Washington
George Washington died December 14, 1799, after contracting an illness from a ride at Mt. Vernon during a winter storm
He was only 3 years removed from the presidency
His death left a hole in the Federalist Party that it could not overcome in 1800
“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” –Edmund Randolph delivering Washington’s Eulogy

3. The Election of . There is no popular vote at this time
Electors chosen by the state legislature meet in Philadelphia to choose president
No single candidate won a majority of electoral votes
Results in a tie between Jefferson and Burr
The Constitution called for election to be decided by the House of Representatives
Candidate
Electoral vote
Thomas Jefferson 73
Aaron Burr
John Adams 65
Charles Pinckney 64

4. A Renaissance Man – The Sage of Monticello
Thomas Jefferson was more than just a lawyer and politician
He was an avocational architect, a skilled violinist, amateur scientist, avid horseman and a voracious reader
Jefferson advised the designers of the city of Washington, D.C. and created his home, Monticello, in Virginia

5. Jefferson’s Contradictions
He was born into wealth and privilege yet he championed the rule by virtue and merit and the life of small farmers
Thomas Jefferson was a wealthy planter that owned many slaves yet wrote that “all men are created equal”
Although many southern leaders freed their slaves upon their death, Jefferson did not

6. Jeffersonian Ideals
Jefferson was convinced that the future of America rested in the creation of a nation of small independent farmers
He believed an agrarian population would better support the ideals of a democratic and republican government
Jefferson feared the result of Americans crowding into cities as had happened in Europe

7. Undoing Federalist Policies
Jefferson and the Democratic Republicans believed the federal government should have less power
Allowed Alien and Sedition Acts to expire
Freed people convicted under the acts
Abolished many taxes
Including the Whiskey Tax
Reduced the size of the military especially the Navy
Reduced national debt using money from tariffs and land sales

8. Jeffersonian America Overview
Marbury vs. Madison
establishment of Supreme Court’s power of Judicial Review
Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Doubles the size of the United States and leads to the Louis and Clark Expedition and the idea of Manifest Destiny
Foreign Relations
Problems with Britain and France continue and will eventually lead to war with England in 1812.