During his presidency, Thomas Jefferson faced a major political and philosophical dilemma when negotiating the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France. He was concerned that the Constitution did not explicitly grant the federal government the power to acquire new territory.
Which of the following actions best illustrates how Jefferson resolved this constitutional dilemma?
- AHe rejected the treaty and requested that Congress pass a constitutional amendment before proceeding.
- He adopted a broad interpretation of the Constitution's treaty-making power to justify the purchase.Answer
- CHe sought a ruling from the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall to establish federal authority over the purchase.
- DHe claimed the purchase was a defensive measure authorized under the principles of the Monroe Doctrine.
Answer
He adopted a broad interpretation of the Constitution's treaty-making power to justify the purchase.
Jefferson resolved his constitutional dilemma by adopting a broad interpretation of the executive's treaty-making power. Although Jefferson was a strict constructionist who believed the federal government only had the powers explicitly granted by the Constitution, he prioritized the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory for the nation's agrarian future. He justified the purchase by arguing that the constitutional power to make treaties implicitly allowed for the acquisition of new land.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Strict versus loose constructionism in the early republic, specifically Jefferson's pragmatic shift to loose construction to acquire the Louisiana Territory.