Thomas Jefferson: The Third President of the United States
Thomas Jefferson, the country's third president, was a key figure in American history. Known for his political beliefs in favor of States Rights and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, Jefferson's accomplishments prior to presidency include drafting the Declaration of Independence and serving as an ambassador to Europe. The contested election of 1800, where Jefferson prevailed, led to the 12th Amendment, changing the Presidential election process.
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Thomas Jefferson The Country s Third President
1. Background and Education Father: Peter Jefferson Like most sons of land owners, he studied land surveying Graduated from William and Mary University in Williamsburg, VA Tall, red-headed, quiet
2. Political Beliefs The government which governs least, governs best Strongly favored States Rights as opposed to a strong national government Believed in a strict construction, or strict interpretation, of the U.S.Constitution
3. Accomplishments Prior to becoming President Wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence Wrote the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom Created the University of Virginia Served as an ambassador to Europe from the United States
4. The Election of 1800 Democratic-Republican Candidates: Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr
4. The Election of 1800 Federalist Candidates: John Adams and Charles C. Pinckney
4. The Election of 1800 Adams would have won re-election, perhaps easily, had Alexander Hamilton not split the Federalist Party
4. The Election of 1800 Instead, the Democratic-Republicans won the election Both winning candidates, Jefferson and Burr, received 73 electoral votes Election was settled the House of Representatives after 35 votes Hamilton swings the election to Jefferson and angers Burr
4. The Election of 1800 The messed up election pointed out the need for a Constitutional amendment regarding the Presidential election process. The 12thAmendment modified the Constitution so that the President and the Vice-President are elected using separate ballots.
4. The Election of 1800 Federalists fear what Jefferson will say will he start a new revolution? Jefferson, surprisingly, calls for unity he states We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. Jefferson DOES NOT propose to change or destroy the structure of the federal government.
5. Accomplishments made during early part of Jefferson s 1stterm Appointed Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury Cut military spending Reduced the army from 4000 to 2500 men Reduced the navy from 25 to 7 ships Reduced national debt from $83 million to $45 million Cut ALL internal taxes
5. Accomplishments made during early part of Jefferson s 1stterm Only source of government income: tariffs and sales of Western land Let the Alien and Sedition Acts expire
6. Issues with the Courts Marbury vs. Madison: Does William Marbury, one of John Adams last minute midnight judges, receive his commission to be judge or not? Jefferson had James Madison refuse to give the commission to Marbury Issue went before the Supreme Court Ruling became a precedent an example for future court cases
6. Issues with the Courts With Marbury vs. Madison, the Supreme Court established the concept of Judicial Review of laws Judicial Review means that the Court may decide if a law is constitutional or not. If a law is judged to be unconstitutional, or goes against the U.S. Constitution, then the law ceases to be a law.
7. The Louisiana Purchase By 1800, the western boundary of the U.S. was the Mississippi. The Louisiana Territory, that is all lands west of the Mississippi River which drained into the river, was originally controlled by France. As part of losing the French-Indian War, France ceded, or gave, the Louisiana Territory to Spain
7. The Louisiana Purchase The Louisiana Territory continued to be controlled by Spain until 1800. A war fought in Europe between Spain and France ended with a victory for Napoleon and the French. Secretly, the Louisiana Territory was transferred from Spain to France as a result of that European war.
7. The Louisiana Purchase Jefferson learned that Louisiana Territory was now controlled by France French ownership of the Louisiana Territory posed several problems for the U.S. mainly the French were popular with the Indians and the French presence blocked any sort of westward movement by U.S. citizens into the Louisiana Territory
7. The Louisiana Purchase The other major problem involved the city of New Orleans. New Orleans controlled all river trade. River trade came from not only the Louisiana Territory, but also from the United States. If France decided to close the city of New Orleans to U.S. trade, then the U.S. would suffer great economic hardship.
7. The Louisiana Purchase Jefferson realized the problems involved with France owning the Louisiana Territory. Jefferson sends Robert Livingston and James Monroe to buy New Orleans and West Florida for $2 million from France. Livingston and Monroe may spend UP to $10 million.
7. The Louisiana Purchase Despite being more money and more land than expected, both Livingston and Monroe quickly agree to the deal. The deal poses a personal problem for Jefferson is this small government? Still, Jefferson agrees to the deal. Congress debates the issue lots of money involved still, they agree to it.
7. The Louisiana Purchase Napoleon experiences slave rebellion trouble in the French colony of Saint Domingue located in the Caribbean. Napoleon also needs money for another war with Great Britain. He decides to sell ALL of the Louisiana Territory. His price: $15 million.
10. Jeffersons Reelection By 1804, Jefferson was unquestioned success as a President. He was easily reelected. Burr decided to run for governor of New York. Hamilton criticized Burr; Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel; Burr shoots and kills Hamilton. Burr s term as Vice President was not quite over at the time of the duel.
11. Jeffersons 2ndTerm Pirates from the Barbary Coast States in the Mediterranean Sea demand tribute from U.S. trade ships. Jefferson refuses to pay the tribute The Barbary pirates from Tripoli declare war on the U.S. Jefferson does not want to fight; instead, he orders a blockade of the port of Tripoli.
11. Jeffersons 2ndTerm The blockade eventually works. The U.S. forces the pirates to sign a peace treaty which ends all tribute payments. The military action is popular in the U.S., but shows the need for a U.S. navy. Jefferson puts aside his own personal problems with the government paying for a navy, and the country develops a stronger defense.
12. Jefferson after the Presidency James Madison, the author of the Constitution, a Democratic-Republican, and Jefferson s hand- picked successor becomes the next President. Madison leads the country during the War of 1812.
12. Jefferson after the Presidency Jefferson renews his friendship with his long-term friend and political rival, John Adams. Jefferson and Adams exchange letters with each other. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die on the same day: July 4, 1826. It was the 50thanniversary of the Declaration of Independence which both men help write.
