The Republicans Take Power
9-1
Objectives
• How the election deadlock of 1800 was resolved.
• How John Marshall strengthened the Supreme Court.
Election of 1800
President John Adams sought a second term. He was challenged
by Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and Alexander Hamilton.
Election Results
No candidate received a majority of the electoral votes. The
House had to decide the election. On the 35th ballot, Thomas
Jefferson was chosen President. Aaron Burr finished second in
the balloting and he became vice president.
th
12 Amendment
To prevent the debacle of the 1800 election, the 12th Amendment
was adopted and ratified having electors for for president and
vice president on separate ballots.
Jefferson’s Inauguration
Jefferson tried to bring a
more relaxed feeleling to the
white house. He believed in
state’s rights. He cut the
federal budget.
Jefferson’s Contradiction
Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence. In
it he wrote “all men are created equal”. Yet, he himself was a
slave owner.
Jefferson’s Cabinet
Jefferson surronded himself with men who shared his political
beliefs: James Madison, Albert Gallatin, and Alexander
Hamilton.
Judiciary Act of 1801
Passed before Adams left office,
it created more courts and
opportunities for Adams to
appoint judges of his choosing.
John Marshall was appointed
Chief Justice in 1801 and served
for 35 years.
Marbury vs. Madison
James Marbury was appointed to a federal judgship but his
commission (papers authorizing him to be a judge), were witheld
by James Madison. Marbury sued to get his commission. The
Supreme Court ruled on the case establishing the principle of
Judicial Review.