Jefferson Era The Republicans Take Power Vocabulary LaissezFaire

Jefferson Era The Republicans Take Power

Vocabulary • Laissez-Faire • Customs Duties • Judicial Review

The Election of 1800 • In 1800 Washington DC had only 2 noteworthy buildings: the President’s Mansion (WH) & the unfinished Capitol building. • Most people did not like being there; it was hot & humid and dirty.

The Election of 1800 • The Federalists & Republicans fought a bitter campaign in 1800. • Federalist- John Adams (MA) & Charles Pickney (SC) • Republicans- Thomas Jefferson (VA) & Aaron Burr (NY)

The Election of 1800 • Campaigning was very different in 1800 1. It would have been bad taste to go around the country campaigning. 2. Candidates & their allies wrote letters to influential people and friendly newspapers to get their views out.

The Election of 1800 • Accusations • Federalists- Said that Jefferson was “Godless”, but Jefferson believed in freedom of religion. • Republicans- Said that Adams would bring back a monarchy style of government.

The Election of 1800 • Election & Deadlock • When members of the electoral college voted, both Burr & Jefferson each received 73 electoral votes. • At that time the electors voted for each Presidential & vice presidential candidate individually rather than voting for a party’s candidate as a team.

The Election of 1800 • Election & Deadlock • In the House of Rep. federalists saw a chance to prevent the election of Jefferson by supporting Burr. • For 35 different ballots or House votes, Jefferson & Burr remained tied.

The Election of 1800 • Election & Deadlock • Finally at Alexander Hamilton’s request, a decided not to vote for Aaron Burr. • Jefferson became President & Burr became Vice- President.

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death • Hamilton, once again, prevented Burr from winning by opposing his candidacy. Burr retaliated by challenging Hamilton to a duel.

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death • Standing on the heights of Weehawken, New Jersey, Hamilton and Burr fired their pistols. Some people said that Hamilton purposely missed Burr. • Burr's shot, fatally wounded Hamilton, leading to his death the next day. Aaron Burr escaped unharmed.

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death • Settling differences with a duel had been the custom before the Revolution. In 1804, however, dueling was no longer legal in the state of New York, where both men were political leaders.

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death • Burr might have been the president instead of vice president, had it not been for Hamilton's interference. When Burr's term as vice president was almost over, he ran for governor of New York.

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death • Burr was indicted for murder, but the charges were later dropped.

Jefferson’s Inauguration • 4 March 1801 Jefferson was sworn into office in the Senate chambers. • John Adams did not attend and left the city so he did not have to watch.

Jefferson’s Inauguration • In Jefferson’s Inaugural Address, Jefferson tried to bridge the gap between republicans & federalists outlining some of his goals which included using a “wise & frugal government” and “the support of state governments in all their rights. ”

Jefferson’s Inauguration • Jefferson believed in reducing the power & size of the federal government. • These ideas were similar to the French philosophy of “laissezfaire”- “let the people do as they choose.