1. The Election of 1800 and the Jefferson Era

2. Democratic-Republicans
Election of 1800
Democratic-Republicans
Federalists
Thomas Jefferson (VA)
Aaron Burr (NY)
John Adams (MA)
Charles Pinckney (SC)

3. There is no concern for popular vote at this time
Electors chosen by the state legislature meet in Philadelphia to choose president
No single candidate won a majority of electoral votes
Results in a tie between Jefferson and Burr
The Constitution called for election to be decided by the House of Representatives
Presidential Candidate
Party
Home State
Popular Vote
Electoral Vote
Count
Percentage
Thomas Jefferson
Democratic-Republican
Virginia
41,330
61.4% 73
Aaron Burr
New York —
John Adams
Federalist
Mass.
25,952
38.6% 65
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
South Carolina 64
John Jay 1
Total
67,282
100.0%
276
Needed to win 70

4. Alexander Hamilton’s influence
Hamilton still had influence among Federalist politicians
He disliked both Jefferson and Burr, he distrusted Burr
“Jefferson has some pretentions to character Mr. Burr is one of the most unprincipled men in the United States bankrupt beyond redemption.”
Alexander Hamilton encouraged Federalists in the House to support Jefferson
Jefferson is elected on the 36th ballot (vote)
Burr becomes V.P.

5. Marbury vs. Madison
John Adams appointed many Federalist judges between the 1800 election & Jefferson’s inauguration
Adams supposedly remained at his desk until well into the night signing the commissions of the “midnight” judges.
Ensured the federal gov’t would have a strong Federalist presence

6. Marbury vs. Madison
Sect. of State James Madison was ordered to block Adams’ remaining judge commissions
One of the new judges (William Marbury) was angered & asked the Supreme Court to order Madison to deliver his commission
Marbury used the Judiciary Act of 1789 that set-up the court system as the basis of his lawsuit

7. Supreme Court’s Opinion
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall (appointed by former President John Adams) gave the court’s opinion
Opinion identified which cases the Court could hear directly & this was not one of them
The case should have first been heard in a lower court
Marshall ruled the Judiciary Act was unconstitutional & void
Established judicial review
MvM=JR
1803
Judicial Review – reviewing decisions of other branches & deciding if it is constitutional

8. Inscribed in the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

9. The West in 1800 3 European countries claimed land on the west coast
Spain – California from San Diego to San Francisco
Russia – Along the coast to Alaska
Britain – claimed land in the region north of the 42° parallel
France took Louisiana back from Spain in 1800
Spain had closed the port of New Orleans to Americans

10. France in 1800 Ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte
Wants to colonize American territory
Defeated in the West Indies and unable to invade North America
To avoid hostilities, Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans since it was closed by Spain
France offered to sell all of Louisiana Territory
Jefferson was torn by his personal beliefs versus what could help the country

11. Louisiana Territory purchased from France
Louisiana Purchase
Doubled the size of the U.S.A.
Louisiana Territory purchased from France
Treaty ratified in 1803
Cost less than 5 cents/acre= $15 million
Constitution said nothing about acquiring new territory
Jefferson knew it was important to explore and know the land and get there first to claim borders
Lewis & Clark brought on Sacagawea as a guide
Asked Congress for $2,500 to fund a westward expedition
Contracted Meriwether Lewis to lead
He chose friend William Clark to co-lead it