Did the early Republicans “outFederalize” the Federalists?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
Answer the above question, taking into
consideration the values of Republicans
(limited government, strict interpretation
of the Constitution, small military, low
taxes, agrarian society) during the early
1800s.
Did the early Republicans “outFederalize” the Federalists?
Thomas Jefferson
-The Louisiana Purchase-bought from France for $15 million- doubled the size of the U.S. The
Constitution does not grant the president the power to make such a purchase.
-The Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804 increased geographic and scientific knowledge of the
previously explored continent, improved relations with native groups, strengthened U.S. claims to
the Oregon Territory, and developed maps and land routes for future settlers.
-Marbury v. Madison expanded the power of the Supreme court by granting it the right to rule on the
constitutionality of laws (Judicial Review). In the ruling John Marshall and the Federalist
dominated court stated that William Marbury had a right to his commission under the Judiciary Act
of 1789, but that the act was unconstitutional. Therefore the court could not force Madison to
deliver Marbury’s commission.
-Jefferson attempted to impeach Federalist judges including Supreme Court justice Samuel Chase.
Chase was acquitted by the Senate.
-Between 1801 and 1805 Jefferson dealt with the Barbary Pirates by sending a small naval fleet to
engage the enemy to shipping. No decisive victories were won, but the U.S. did gain some
respect around the world.
-In 1807 Jefferson persuade the Congress to pass the Embargo Act. This legislation prohibited
American merchant ships from sailing to any foreign port. The embargo had a devastating impact
on the New England economy which was based on trade with Europe. Jefferson called for the
repeal of the Embargo Act in 1809.
Did the early Republicans “outFederalize” the Federalists?
James Madison
-The Nonintercourse Act of 1809 allowed the U.S. to trade with all nations except Britain and France.
-Macon’s Bill No. 2 allowed for trade with Britain and France but stated that the U.S. would prohibit
trade with the enemy of the nation (Britain or France) that would first agree to respect U.S.
neutrality. Napoleon agreed to respect U.S. neutrality, and Madison carried out an embargo of
Britain. The French continued to seize American ships.
-In 1811 William Henry Harrison defeated Tecumseh, Prophet, and a force of Native Americans at the
battle of Tippecanoe. Tecumseh had tried to form an Indian alliance to stop the Americans from
taking their lands. Many Americans on the frontier blamed the British for instigating the Native
uprising.
-Hoping to gain freedom of trade across the seas and to rid America of foreign powers the U.S. went
to war with Britain in 1812 (War of 1812). Madison was influenced by the War Hawks to go to
war. This despite the fact that the country was divided on the issue.
-The Treaty of Ghent (1814) brought an end to the fighting, return of all land to the country it belonged
to before the war, and recognition of the prewar boundary between Canada and the U.S.
-At the Hartford Convention the New England states came close to seceding from the U.S. These
states opposed the war and the Republican government. The war soon ended after the
convention. As a result of their talk of secession the Federalists were seen by many as being
unpatriotic.
-In 1816 the Second Bank of the United States was chartered.
-The country’s first protective tariff was passed in 1816 (Tariff of 1816). This discouraged trade, and
encouraged U.S. manufacturing.