Jefferson Takes Office Chapter 10-1 Jefferson Takes Office

The election of 1800 Federalists – John Adams Democratic-Republicans – Thomas Jefferson Each party thought the other endangered the Constitution and American republic Federalists thought the nation would be ruined by radicals – people with extreme political positions DR won election – Jefferson and Burr received 73 votes Adams only had 65

Breaking the tie Constitution said HR had to choose Clearly intended Jefferson to win, but Federalists had majority in the House and would choose Feds were divided Some feared Jefferson and wanted to select Burr Others thought Burr was unreliable and chose Jefferson Hamilton did not like Jefferson, but thought Burr was worse

Breaking the tie Cont. 7 days, 35 votes = no winner 2 weeks before inauguration, Hamilton’s friend persuaded several Federalists not to vote for Burr 36th ballot – Jefferson was president and Burr became vice president

The talented jefferson Jefferson’s talents went beyond politics Jefferson advised architects and designers of D.C. Skilled violinist, horseman, amateur scientist, and devoted reader His book collection became the foundation for the Library of Congress

Jefferson’s Philosophy Jefferson had many strong opinions, but first wanted to settle political disputes Tried to promote a common way of life Wanted a nation of small, independent farmers DID NOT want people crowding into cities like he saw in Europe (Why not?) Jefferson acted more like a gentleman farmer than a aristocratic politician Walked to his inauguration Round tables so no one was the head of the table Modest and humble – did not list presidency on tombstone

Undoing Federalist Programs Thought federal government should have less power than under the Federalists Congress (now DR) allowed Alien and Sedition Acts to end Released prisoners convicted under the Acts Repealed whiskey tax (reduces fed. income) Cut federal employees to cut costs Jefferson opposed public debt Used revenues from tariffs and land sales to pay back the governments debts to the people

Marshall and the judiciary Jefferson had little power over the courts Judiciary Act of 1801 – Adams appointed as many Federalist judges as he could (appointments last how long?) Appointed John Marshall as Chief Justice of Supreme Court Served for over 30 years Resided over Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. madison William Marbury was appointed as a justice of peace for D.C. Supposed to be installed by Secretary of State James Madison, but Madison refused and Marbury sued Case went to Supreme Court Decided that the law under which Marbury sued was unconstitutional Established judicial review – the Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution Jefferson and Madison were not thrilled when Marshall seized this new power for the Supreme Court https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWYFwl93uCM