Monday, May 26, 2014

4. If it looks like Federalist, and acts like a Federalist? Jefferson’s First Term


The New Orleans Purchase brought the reach the federal government into question. Jefferson himself was unsure if the government had the right to purchase land. Thus, even though a majority of congress supported the purchase, Jefferson pushed for the creation of a constitutional amendment that clarified the federal government’s right to purchase land. This became the first of two amendments passed during the Jefferson administration - the latter revising the presidential election procedures - this places a bit of stress between Jefferson and his anti-Federalist Republicans. But it also allowed for a few moderate Federalist to defect to Jefferson’s side. 

To balance the power equation, Jefferson repelled many federal taxes. This made the government excessively dependent on custom’s revenue. And the policy would latter prove disastrous when trade between the United States and Europe is interrupted by the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1803 the Miami Valley Territory was admitted as a state; as the nation expanded the anti-federalist policies of Jefferson became increasingly appealing to most voters causing major rifts in the Federalist Party. By the election of 1804 New England remained the only Federalist stronghold. Thus Jefferson’s first reelection happened to be an easy victory against Charles C. Pinckney.

But despite, Jefferson’s stance as a staunch anti-Federalist, many of his New England based critics believed, “the actions he took during his three terms as President would only strengthen executive power, bend the constitution until it broke, and bring down the Union with it”

Contemporary political opponents of Jefferson sought to destroy his presidency and his new political party with charges of Jefferson’s promiscuous behavior and his ownership of slaves. The cock was also a symbol of revolutionary France, which Jefferson was known to admire and which, his critics believed, Jefferson unduly favored.

[1] Yes, I know the Ohio Territory was called that well before the POD in OTL. But I like the name change. No worries there will still be an Ohio in TTL. 

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