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The Triumphs and Travails of the Jeffersonian Republic Chapter 11
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The Election of 1800 Republican electors, attempting to name both a President and a Vice President from their own party, cast a tie vote between Jefferson and Aaron Burr Hamilton, disliking both Jefferson and Burr, nevertheless urged Jefferson's election Congress chooses Jefferson
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Jefferson Different concept of role of Govt Walked to inaugural Many feared worst “Vile, Godless” “Worthless, dishonest” Federalists feared massive change towards mob rule Adams refused to attend inaugural Attempt to reassure “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” Caps added later (draft used lower case, Jefferson meant it as a philosophical distinction), media probably saw it as partisan statement about blending parties Wanted to govern a united people Much more activist than Adams Followed by Madison and Monroe of similar opinions Federalists gone by 1820 as a party of national significance
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Jefferson (cont.) Personally very different from previous Presidents Deist, doubted many Christian doctrines Early support of French Revolution controversial Fathered children (at least one, per DNA analysis) by Sally Hemings (slave at Monticello) - interesting fact, Sally herself was the daughter of Jefferson’s father in law, and light enough to pass for white Conflicted, slave owner, believed slavery could not endure in America
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Jefferson’s Political Positions Feared high taxes, standing Army and political corruption threatened American Liberty Government as servant of the people vice master Believed farmers most virtuous, honest, cities breeding grounds of deceit, self interest Saw his election as “revolution” To restore liberty, tranquility of his youth Angered by Hamilton financial nationalism and Adams’ Alien and Sedition Acts Disliked the concept of a national debt Placed economy ahead of national military preparedness (cut Army size, funding) Did use Navy effectively against Barbary pirates in 1801 (explain), but that was also an economic decision (war cost about half of annual tribute pre-war)
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Judiciary Issues No Republicans on Federal Bench Federal Judiciary Act of 1801 last straw (decreased justices from 6 to 5, passed by a still Federalist dominated Congress), would have kept Jeff. From appointing a Justice (who would of course have been Republican) Act also created 16 new Federal judgeships, all filled by Adams with Federalists just before leaving office to assure Jefferson would have to deal with Federal judiciary controlled by federalists “midnight appointments” Jefferson won Congressional repeal of Act in 1802 after new Congress convened
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Marbury v. Madison Marbury last minute Federalist Justice of peace appointment for D.C., appointment was not delivered by Adams before term expired New Sec of State (Madison) refused to deliver appointment Marbury petitioned Supreme Court for a writ forcing delivery of appointment Decision written by (ardent Federalist and Chief Justice) John Marshall Several landmark issues Marshall lectured Madison (and through him, his boss, Jefferson) on the “Moral” duty to deliver the appointment, enraging Jefferson
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Marbury v. Madison (cont.) Jefferson also refused to order delivery on grounds that the Act granting Supreme Court the right to issue such a writ was “repugnant to the Constitution, and as such is no law” “unconstitutional” Established principle of Judicial review (That the Court could declare an Act of Congress void if it violated their interpretation of Constitutionality Brought Court to equal status with Executive and Legislative branches “checks and balances”
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