Jefferson as President Chapter 9, Section 1

Election of 1800 To insure a majority vote, originally the Electoral College would vote for two candidates for president. The Democratic-Republicans set up a plan to take advantage of this system.

Election of 1800 Each state that wanted to elect Thomas Jefferson as president, would also cast their vote with his running mate, Aaron Burr. The plan would give them a Democratic-Republican as President AND Vice President.

Election of 1800 Unfortunately, the election ended in a tie. Aaron Burr- 73 votes Thomas Jefferson- 73 votes In turn, the Federalists would get to select between the two nominees. This also leads to the 12th Amendment Sets up how presidents/vice presidents are elected today.

Election of 1800 With the help of Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson is selected among the two. Hamilton despised Aaron Burr. So he convinced the Federalists to pick Jefferson. “I would much rather have someone with wrong principles than someone devoid of any.”

The Election of 1800 On March 4, 1801 Thomas Jefferson is sworn in as the third president of the United States. Aaron Burr becomes the new vice-president of the United States.

Hamilton and Burr Rivalry Fast Forward to 1804: Aaron Burr runs for governor of New York. Hamilton continues to slander Burr’s philosophy. Burr lost the election in 1804 and blamed Hamilton.

Duel! Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. In July 1804, Burr and Hamilton engage in a pistol duel. Aaron Burr shot Hamilton and he died the next day. Burr’s political career is ruined.

Jefferson’s Plans Jefferson’s political views differed strongly from the presidents before him. Known as the Revolution of 1800 His philosophy was based around 4 major beliefs:

1. Small Government The federal government should be kept small. Jefferson believed that the government should stay out of the everyday lives of citizens. Jefferson’s ideas were strongly based on the French philosophy of laissez-faire which means “let it be.”

2. Farming The strength of the nation was its independent farmers Jefferson wanted to build an agrarian society (nation of farmers) Farmers are self sufficient (no need for a strong government)

3. Expand Expand the nation westward to acquire more land. People would need their own land if he was to build a nation of farmers

4. Decrease Military Jefferson distrusted standing armies and wanted to reduce the size of the military. He believed that a large military could be used against the people

Jefferson’s Cabinet For his secretary of state, Jefferson chose his good friend James Madison. For his secretary of treasury he chose Albert Gallatin.

Jefferson’s Cabinet and Expense Reduction Jefferson hoped to reduce the national debt and hold true to his policies. Jefferson cut the military by 1/3 and reduced the navy from 25 battleships to 7 ships. This helped them significantly lower the national debt. Jefferson also persuaded Congress to repeal all federal internal taxes including the whiskey tax.

Judiciary Act of 1801 Jefferson’s first problem On his last day in office, John Adams appointed hundreds of Federalists to judiciary positions Allowed Federalists to control the court system. Jefferson claimed these appointments were invalid. Appointments could not take effect until the papers (commissions) were delivered. When Jefferson became president he told Madison not to deliver the appointments. These actions lead to Marbury v. Madison.

Marbury v. madison 1.) The constitution is the supreme law of the land. 2.) When there is a conflict between the Constitution and any other law, the Constitution must be followed. 3.) The judicial branch has the duty to uphold the Constitution. It must be able to determine when a federal law conflicts with the Constitution. 4.) Adams appointment of judges was unconstitutional. 5.) The Supreme Court can overturn presidential actions that are deemed “unconstitutional”.

Judicial Review With his decision, Chief justice John Marshall set out the principles of judicial review. They decided that the Supreme Court had the power to overrule presidential actions and laws that were unconstitutional.