What Kind of Nation– Redefining America in The Age of Jefferson.

Paper details:

I. What kind of Constitution? 1. What were John Marshall’s options in deciding the Marbury case? Which options did he reject? Why? 2. Explain three impacts on the judicial branch resultant from Marshall’s decision in Marbury. 3. Jefferson “won” the case; so why was he so angry? 4. Explain the change Marshall made in how the Supreme Court voiced his opinions. Why was this significant?

II. What Kind of Landscape– Geography and Demography

A. Negotiations for Louisiana 1. How would France’s possession of New Orleans impact U.S./French relations? Why does Jefferson believe this? 2. How does Jefferson suggest that a French hold on New Orleans would change U.S. foreign policy? Why would it have this impact? How does Jefferson seem to feel about this prospect?

B. Jefferson Favors an Unconstitutional Act 1. The extension of executive power needed to enact the Louisiana Purchase seems to contradict Jefferson’s classical republican ideologies. How does he justify his actions here? Do his political actions contradict his political principles? Is his reasoning sound? Explain

C. Representative Grisworld is Unhappy 1. Summarize Grisworld’s constitutional arguments against the Louisiana Purchase. Illustrate with specific quotations. 2. Why does Griswold fear the impact of Louisiana on the union both in land and population? Explain

IV. What Kind of Relations?

A. A Federalist Attacks the Embargo 1. What were Jefferson’s motives in enacting the 1807 embargo? 2. How, according to Key, has the embargo impacted America? Support with specifics. 3. Why was the embargo, in Key’s view, playing into British hands? Why does he regard his proposed alternative as more effective? Support with specifics.

B. A Jeffersonian Upholds the Embargo 1. Summarize Giles’ main arguments in favor of the embargo. 2. What does Giles contend are/have been the two main impacts of the embargo?