The Jefferson Era

The Republicans Take Power Chapter 9, Section 1 Pg. 277

Vocabulary
laissez-faire - policy that government should interfere as little as possible in the nations economy (Which political party of today believes in laissez-faire economics?) customs duties- taxes on foreign imported goods judicial review- the right of the Supreme Court to determine if a law violates the Constitution

Let Us Recap
What is a Democratic-Republican? What did they believe? What is Republicanism? Liberalism? How do they differ from the terms of today?

The Election of 1800

Federalists charged Jefferson, who believed in freedom of religion, as godless. Republicans warned that the Federalists would bring back the monarchy. When members of the Electoral College voted, Jefferson and Burr each received 73 votes. It was a tie.

 Because of this, the House of Representatives had to decide the election. In the House, Federalists saw a chance to prevent the election of Jefferson by supporting Aaron Burr. For 35 ballots, the election remained tied. Finally, at Alexander Hamiltons urging, one Federalist decided not to vote for Burr because Alexander Hamilton HATED him. Gee, I wonder why

 Jefferson became president while Burr became vice president. Does this election remind you of anything? A more recent election? Anything? anything?

The Inauguration
On March 4, 1801, Jefferson was sworn in as president. He dressed in everyday clothes.

 President Adams didnt even stay at the presidential mansion or attend Jeffersons ceremony. He left the city because he could not bear to watch Jefferson being sworn into office. Jefferson tried to bridge the gap between the developing political parties. He said

 We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. He talked about states rights. He believed that a large federal government threatened liberty and that strong states could best protect freedom. Jefferson also believed in a policy called laissezfaire. This French term means let people do as they choose. A laissez-faire government plays only a small part in the economic concerns of a country.

Jeffersons Policies
All men are created equal. (thoughts of John Locke.) What does this mean to you?

 Thomas Jefferson wrote this, yet he had slaves. Lets discuss this phrase through the mindset of the time period

Open your books to pg. 280

Marbury v. Madison

Journal
If you could live anywhere in the West, where would you live? Why?

Lewis and Clark

Jefferson wanted to know more about the mysterious lands west of the Mississippi. Even before the Louisiana Purchase was complete, he persuaded Congress to sponsor an expedition to explore the new territory.

Meriwether Lewis
Jeffersons private secretary Lewis was well qualified to lead this journey of exploration.

William Clark
The co-leader of the expedition A friend of Lewis from military service Both were knowledgeable amateur scientists and had conducted business with Native Americans.

The Presidents Instructions

Jefferson instructed the explorers to find a route across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. They were also to learn as much as they could about the Native Americans who lived in the new territory. They were to treat them in the most friendly and conciliatory manner.

 In addition, Lewis and Clark were to collect plant and animal specimens and chart the geography of the region.

The Journals
Lewis and Clark kept detailed journals of their expedition. They left from St. Louis. After 18 months and nearly 4000 miles, Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River in November 1805. They arrived back in St. Louis in September 1806. Jefferson greeted their return with unspeakable joy.

How Do You Think This Changed History?

We got the west, eventually expanding westward from sea to shining sea. We learned about new and different animals We learned about the Native Americans and their culture We learned that men can do anything they put their minds to This trip inspired people to go West.