Question
How did the Louisiana Purchase represent an expansion of governmental power?
(1 point)
Responses
It was done despite opposition by Federalists.
It was done despite opposition by Federalists.
It was done during a time of French unrest.
It was done during a time of French unrest.
It was done in the first term of a presidency.
It was done in the first term of a presidency.
It was done without clear constitutional authority.
(1 point)
Responses
It was done despite opposition by Federalists.
It was done despite opposition by Federalists.
It was done during a time of French unrest.
It was done during a time of French unrest.
It was done in the first term of a presidency.
It was done in the first term of a presidency.
It was done without clear constitutional authority.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The Louisiana Purchase represented an expansion of governmental power primarily because **it was done without clear constitutional authority**. President Thomas Jefferson, who was initially a strict interpreter of the Constitution, justified the purchase as a means to secure land for future growth and to avoid potential conflicts with European powers, even though there was no explicit constitutional provision allowing for such an acquisition. This act expanded the power of the federal government by significantly increasing the territory of the United States and demonstrating a more flexible interpretation of the Constitution in unilateral governmental actions.