Analyze the first three presidencies — Washington (1789-1797) precedents + Whiskey Rebellion + Farewell Address / Adams (1797-1801) Alien and Sedition Acts / Jefferson (1801-1809) Louisiana Purchase + Lewis and Clark + Embargo Act + Marbury v. Madison 1803
Exercise
Difficulty 4
~7 min
hist.g5.s.ex_18
Louisiana Purchase Constitutional Tension
Prompt
Explain in 5 sentences: why was the Louisiana Purchase a constitutional tension for Jefferson? How did he resolve it?
How it's presented
mode
writing
Answer criteria
type
paragraph
required elements
- Jefferson's strict-construction principles
- No enumerated power to buy territory
- Treaty Power workaround (Art. II §2)
- Jefferson did it anyway
- Tension between principle and opportunity
Hints
- Strict construction = only enumerated powers
- Treaty Power was the workaround
- Even strict constructionists bend their principles
Misconceptions to watch
- Missing the strict-construction tension
- Treating purchase as uncomplicated
Used in lessons