The Republicans Take Power:Chapter 6, Section 1

Political ideas and major events shape how people form governments. The election of 1800 marked the transfer of power from one political party to another through a democratic election.

Jefferson Becomes President

• The Election of 1800 showed that power in the US could be peacefully transferred even when political parties are in disagreement.○ Washington, DC was slowly

growing as new capital (White House and Capitol), despite swampy/humid environment

The Election of 1800• Feds supported Adams for a

second term• Republicans supported Jefferson

for Pres & Aaron Burr for VP• Campaign consisted of letter

writing (not speeches)…which were sometimes not very nice.○ For example, the Feds

charged Jefferson with being “godless” because he believed in freedom of religion and Reps charged Feds with being only interested in the wealthy, and would bring back monarchy

Election Deadlock• When the Electoral College

(institution that officially elects Pres/VP, the "electors" who are chosen by popular vote on a state-by-state basis.) voted, they were dead even with 73 votes apiece so House of Reps had to decide.○ At Hamilton’s urging, vote went to

Jefferson with Aaron Burr as VP• The 12th Amendment, passed

because of this election, requires electoral college to vote for Pres/VP separately

Jefferson’s Inauguration• Jefferson dressed in everyday

clothes, walked to Senate to be sworn in (Adams snuck out so he wouldn’t have to watch)○ Stated “we are all

Republicans, we are all Federalists” in order to prevent bipartisanship

• Wanted to reduce the size of the federal government (similar to french laissez-faire… “leave alone” or hands off policy)

1. What does the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution require?

Jefferson’s Policies• Jefferson worked to limit the

scope of the federal government and shift control of the federal courts away from the Federalists.○ At the time, only couple

hundred people worked for federal government (today 3 million!), Jefferson believed government should be limited (mail, customs, census)

Jefferson Takes Charge• Surrounded himself with men of shared

Republican principles…• Sec. of State = friend, James Madison• Sec. of Treasury = Albert Gallatin• Goal = reduce national debt left by Feds/

scale down military expenses (reduction)• After election, before inauguration…

○ Judiciary Act of 1801 = increased number of federal judges putting more Federalists (appointed by John Adams) in court positions, became known as “midnight judges” as they were added at last minute of presidency■ Ensured Feds held court system

Marbury v. Madison

• John Adams’ last minute judge appointments carried into the day of Jefferson’s inauguration

• Some commissions were delivered once Jefferson was already president (like Marbury). Jefferson ordered Sec. of State James Madison to withhold the commissions from those not delivered○ To force his commission, he went directly to Supreme Court○ Chief Justice, John Marshall, denied Marbury’s claim, as

they did not have jurisdiction to decide his case

Marbury v. MadisonQuestions being asked:• Did Marbury have a right to the commission?• Do the laws of the country give Marbury a legal remedy?• Is asking the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus (a

mandate) the correct legal solution?

Marbury v. Madison● Chief Justice Marshall said he didn’t have

constitutional power to allow for commission to be made legal (didn’t have the jurisdiction)

● Marshall set out 3 principles of judicial review○ Constitution is supreme law of the land○ If there is a conflict between Constitution and another

law, the Constitution’s law must be followed○ Judicial branch has a duty to uphold the Constitution

● Marshall extended power of courts...○ Gave more power to federal than state government○ Other court decisions also support the idea that the

Constitution is (a) Supreme Law and (b) includes implied powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution■ McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden

1. Why would Jefferson surround himself with men who shared the same principles?

2. Explain how Jefferson cut government spending.3. How did the changes that Jefferson made reflect his views

about government?4. Name the court case that established judicial review.