The Louisiana Purchase represented an expansion of governmental power primarily because it was done without clear constitutional authority. President Thomas Jefferson, a strict constitutionalist, justified the purchase as a means to secure land for agrarian expansion, but the Constitution did not explicitly grant the federal government the power to acquire new territory. This action set a precedent for future expansions of federal authority.
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 answer