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The Louisiana Purchase proved politically troubling for Thomas Jefferson because...

Oct 17, 2023

The Louisiana Purchase proved politically troubling for Thomas Jefferson because of his (A) previous support for a strict interpretation of the Constitution (B) veto of funding for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition (C) admiration of France’s military power (D) devotion to new methods of cartography (E) disdainforinvolvementinaforeign country’s affairs

Key Concept

KC-4.1.II: The Louisiana Purchase posed a dilemma for President Thomas Jefferson, who had previously advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution. The Constitution did not explicitly grant the President the power to acquire new territory.

Explanation

Thomas Jefferson, a staunch advocate for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, found himself in a predicament with the Louisiana Purchase. The Constitution did not explicitly grant the President the power to acquire new territory. However, the opportunity to double the size of the nation and secure control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans was too good to pass up. Jefferson ultimately decided to go ahead with the purchase, arguing that the President's power to make treaties could be interpreted to include land acquisitions. This decision marked a significant departure from his previous stance on constitutional interpretation.

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