Jeffersonian Democracy Ap Us History Dbq

The United States Constitution is without a doubt the most monumental document of our country’s history. From the time it was ratified there have been different thoughts on how the Constitution was meant to be interpreted.  During the early 1800’s, Jeffersonian Republicans believed that the authority of the federal government was strictly limited to what was specifically granted by the Constitution.  The Federalists believed in a broad interpretation that provided the government with any authority that was not forbidden by the Constitution. Jefferson and Madison, who were usually defined as strict constructionists, at times had to adopt some federalist ideas to benefit the country like making land purchases or chartering the bank.  Thomas Jefferson dreamed of a nation of independent farmers living under a central government that exercised a minimum of control over their lives and served merely to protect the individual liberties granted by the Constitution. Jefferson, in his dialog with Presbyterian minister Samuel Miller, demonstrated that the government will only be ruled by the Constitution, and not even God would have a say. (Document B).  He was focused on what he wanted for his people and he didn’t want anything, especially religious emotions get in the way.  Madison also categorized himself as a close follower of the Constitution. When a bill for constructing waterways and roads was proposed, Madison went against it stating that, “Such a power is not expressly in the Constitution.” (Document H).  Strict Constructionism was at times very beneficial for Jefferson and Madison as this is what they thought they should stick to in order to keep the nation in order.The best example of Jefferson adopting Federalist ideas is the Louisiana Purchase. From the beginning Jefferson only wanted New Orleans and as much land east if the Florida as possible. However instead he was offered the New Orleans and a huge portion of land to the west, which almost doubled the size of the United States. However there was nothing in the constitution which allowed the president to purchase of additional land. In a letter he said “It is the case of a guardian, investing the money of his ward in purchasing an important adjacent territory; and saying to him when of age, I did this for your good” Outside Information).  In order to stray away from war, Jefferson issued the Embargo Act.  Even though he was using loose construction at this point, he felt it was more important to try to avoid a war. This proved to be his most unpopular policy during both terms in office (Outside Information), which resulted in the third proposed amendment of the Hartford Convention, January 4th 1805: “Congress may not establish an embargo for longer than sixty days.” (Document E). Madison also had to use loose construction when building the United States army. With the Constitution to back Madison’s conscription bill of 1814, the people were outraged that the country could “take their ‘children,’ and compel them to fight the battles of any war.” (Document D). He used part of the Constitution to support his argument, but used mostly implied powers. Although the two parties differed in many aspects of their political handling, they fought for a “common good”- the future of America. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the Republican presidents of the time, demonstrated the differences in the two “parties” in several aspects involving the interpretation of the Constitution. Whether it was “strict” or “loose” interpretation of the Constitution, the best interests of the American people were at hand.