Chapter 10 Lesson 1 “Jefferson Takes Office” Essential Question: What occurred during the election of 1800, and what government changes did President Jefferson put into place?

Vocabulary Radical – a person who takes an extreme political position Judiciary Act of 1801 – a law which increased the number of federal judges (so that Pres. Adams could fill vacancies) John Marshall – Federalist and new chief Justice of the Supreme Court (appointed by Pres. Adams) Marbury v. Madison – 1803 court case –Supreme Court has the power to abolish laws by declaring them unconstitutional Unconstitutional – something which contradicts the laws of the Constitution Judicial Review – The principles that the Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the constitution

Focus Questions How did the political positions of the Federalists and Democratic Republicans differ? What unusual situation occurred during the Election of 1800 & how was the election resolved? Explain the Hamilton-Burr Duel. How was Thomas Jefferson’s political philosophy reflected in his personal life?

Focus Questions What changes to Federalist programs did Pres. Jefferson put into place? What did President Adams do under the Judiciary Act of 1801? How was this a problem for Pres Jefferson? Why did William Marbury sue James Madison, and what was the Supreme Court’s ruling? Explain Judicial Review and its impact the the 3 branches of government.

The Election of 1800 Federalist President John Adams ran for reelection in 1800 against Democratic Republican Thomas Jefferson. The Federalists believed the nation would be ruled by radicals - people who take extreme political positions - if the Democratic Republicans won. The Democratic Republicans believed they were saving the nation from monarchy and oppression under Federalists rule.

The Election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson won the presidency with 73 electoral college votes. President Adams had only earned 65 votes. But there was a problem…… Aaron Burr another Democratic Republican also ran for president and also received 73 electoral college votes! There was a tie. According to the Constitution…. The House of Representatives had to choose between Burr and Jefferson. The Federalist Party still held a majority of the House and their votes would decide the winner.

The Election of 1800 Alexander Hamilton, although not a friend of Jefferson’s, urged the House to choose Jefferson over Burr. He considered Burr an unreliable man. “If there be a man in the world I ought to hate, it is Jefferson. But the public good must be more important than every private consideration” The House voted 35 times over a 7 day period. On the 36th ballot… Jefferson was elected president and Aaron Burr became Vice President.

The Hamilton Burr Duel In 1804 the Democratic Republicans replaced Burr on the ballot for Vice President. Burr decided to run for governor of New York. Alexander Hamilton, publically questioned Burr’s fitness for public office. Burr lost the election. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel with pistols. Hamilton accepted the challenge but decided not to fire on Burr. Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton who died the next day.

Hamilton Burr Duel Burr was indicted for murder but never went to trial! He returned to Washington and the vice presidency but the duel ruined his chances of a future public career.

The Talented Jefferson Jefferson as president, behaved more like a gentleman farmer than a privileged politician. He walked two blocks to his own inauguration. His guests at meals sat at round tables so that no one could sit at the head of the table. He refused to elevate himself in society because of his position as president. His tombstone did not list his presidency with his achievements.

Undoing Federalist Programs Jefferson believed the federal government should have less power than it had under the Federalists He urged Congress to allow the Alien and Sedition Acts to end. He released prisoners convicted under the acts He asked Congress to end many taxes, including the whiskey tax. The loss in taxes meant loss in government income. Jefferson reduced the number of federal employees to cut costs He reduced the size of the military.

Marshall & the Judiciary Even though Jefferson ended many Federalist programs, he had little power over the courts. President Adams, before losing reelection appointed as many Federalist judges as he could under the Judiciary Act of 1801. President Adams also appointed a Federalist Chief Justice, John Marshall who served as Chief Justice for over 3 decades President Jefferson, a Democratic Republican, felt very frustrated by Federalist control of the courts.

Marbury v. Madison William Marbury was one of John Adams appointments. Marbury was supposed to be installed in his position by Secretary of State. James Madison. Madison refused to give him the job, so Marbury sued. The Supreme Court, however, ruled against Marbury! They said the law under which Marbury based his lawsuit was unconstitutional – contradicted the law of the Constitution. The court denied Marbury’s claim.

Marbury v. Madison The Supreme Court also established the principle of Judicial Review – The Supreme Court has the power of the final say in interpreting the Constitution. “If the Supreme Court decides that a law violates the Constitution, then that law cannot be put into effect.” Judicial Review helped establish a lasting power balance among the three branches of government!

Inscription on the wall of the Supreme Court Building