Chapter 6: The Age of Jefferson Lesson 1: The Republicans Take Power

Jefferson Becomes President The nation’s new capital, Washington D.C., was located on the Potomac River. The city contained only two prominent buildings: The White House The unfinished Capitol building

In the election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson was the Republican nominee for president, and Aaron Burr was the Republican vice-presidential candidate. John Adams was the Federalist candidate for president, and Charles Pinckney of South Carolina was the vice-presidential candidate. Jefferson and Burr

Jefferson and Burr tied for the most votes, so the House of Representatives had to decide the election. One Federalist in the House decided not to vote for Burr, so Jefferson became president and Burr became vice president.

Congress ratified the Twelfth Amendment in 1804, which requires electors to vote for president and vice president on separate ballots. This amendment would prevent another tie between a presidential and a vice- presidential candidate.

Jefferson tried to reach out to the Federalists in his Inaugural Address. He also emphasized reducing the power of the federal government. This idea is similar to the French philosophy laissez-faire, which means “let people do as they choose.”

Question Break #1 How did political candidates campaign in the election of 1800? In his 1801 inaugural address, what did Jefferson say about the federal government? What does the 12th amendment to the Constitution require?

Jefferson’s Policies Jefferson’s administration was small compared to those of today. This followed his idea of limited national government.

Jefferson appointed James Madison as secretary of state and Albert Gallatin as secretary of treasury. Jefferson and Gallatin wanted to reduce the national debt, and they cut military expenses to do so. James Madison Secretary of State Albert Gallatin Secretary of Treasury

The Judiciary Act of 1801 increased the number of federal judges. Before leaving office, Adams filled many of the judicial positions with Federalists so that Federalists could control the courts. These judges were known as “midnight judges.”

Chief Justice John Marshall turned down Marbury’s claim. After Jefferson was elected, he told Secretary of State Madison not to deliver the outstanding commissions. To force the delivery of his commission, William Marbury took the case to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Marshall turned down Marbury’s claim. William Marbury

Chief Justice John Marshall With his decision, Marshall set out three principals of judicial review: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land When there is a conflict between the Constitution and any other law, the Constitution must be followed The judicial branch has an obligation to uphold the Constitution In several court cases, Marshall broadened the power of the federal government at the expense of the states. Chief Justice John Marshall

Kept the scope of the federal government minimal Scaled back the military Disrupted the appointment of Federalist judges to the federal courts

Question Break #2 President Adams helped ensure that Federalists would control the courts through his last-minute appointment of __________. In his decision regarding the case of Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that the U.S. Supreme Court has a duty to uphold the __________. Chief Justice John Marshall extended the power of the Supreme Court by establishing the right to __________ or cancel, unconstitutional federal laws.