1. Jefferson Alters the Nation’s Course

2. Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr (both D-Rs) tied in electoral votes. The vote went to the House of Representatives.
After many re-votes, Jefferson was able to claim victory. Hamilton had lobbied for Jefferson because he considered him the more ‘honorable’ man over Aaron Burr.
In 1804, the 12th amendment was passed which stated that voting for president and vice-president would be separate.
Aaron Burr would kill Alexander Hamilton in a duel that same year

3. Election Results

4. Thomas Jefferson Takes Office
Believed in small government – cut government spending and began to pay off national debt
Eliminated whiskey tax
Reduced size of army and navy
Congress repealed Alien and Sedition Acts

5. SIMPLIFYING THE GOVERNMENT
Jefferson’s theory of government, known as Jeffersonian Republicanism, held that simple, limited government was the best for the people
Jefferson decentralized the government, cut costs, reduce bureaucracy, and eliminate taxes.
Jefferson was the first president to take office in the new federal capital, Washington D.C.
Jefferson Memorial

6. JOHN MARSHALL AND THE POWER OF THE SUPREME COURT
Before leaving office, John Adams (2nd President), attempts to “pack” the Federal courts with Federalists Judges
Judiciary Act of 1801 increased the number of federal judges by 16 in an attempt to control future federal judicial decisions.
Adams filed filled the positions with federalists; called Midnight Judges because he signed their appointments late on the last day of his administration.
Jefferson argued this was unconstitutional
Supreme Court Chief Justice Marshall rules in Marbury v. Madison (1803) that part of the Judicial Act was unconstitutional
Established principle of Judicial Review – the ability of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional

7. Marbury v. Madison 1803
The Most Significant and Controversial Supreme Court Case in History!

8. Character List – Marbury v. Madison 1803
President John Adams:
made “midnight” appointments to newly
created government offices in the
administration
William Marbury:
appointed Justice of Peace for District of Columbia last minute of Adams’s presidency

9. Character List – Marbury v. Madison 1803
Thomas Jefferson: new president in 1800
angry at the fact that federalists tried to keep a hand in the administration
ordered James Madison NOT to deliver the
remaining commissions of appointments
James Madison: Jefferson’s new secretary of state ordered NOT to deliver appointments
John Marshall:
Secretary of State during Adams’s presidency AND the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the ruling!

10. Background Information/Facts Box #1
Election of 1800 = T. Jefferson
Adams = last minute appts. before switch
Madison does not deliver Marbury’s appt.
Marbury takes the issue to the Supreme Court demanding the commission based on the Judiciary Act of 1789
* the establishment of the judicial branch to exist and appear in the Constitution outlining the basic components (judges and jurisdiction)
* IT DID NOT give the judicial branch the POWER TO INTERPRET LAW IN COURT CASES (judicial review)!!

11. Amendment/Issue Being Challenged
Does Supreme Court have the power to interpret the Constitution?
Does the judicial branch NEED this power to make decisions over controversies?

12. Ruling
Constitution DOES NOT state that judicial branch has power to interpret the Constitution.
Madison violated Marbury’s right to appointment, BUT Marbury DID NOT receive appointment

13. gives Supreme Court power to interpret the Const. (Const. or Unconst.)
Significance
** JUDICIAL REVIEW!!!
gives Supreme Court power to interpret the Const. (Const. or Unconst.)