How did the Louisiana Purchase represent an expansion of governmental power?(2 points) 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 without clear constitutional authority. It was done without clear constitutional authority. It was done in the first term of a presidency.

Answer 1

The Louisiana Purchase represented an expansion of governmental power primarily through the following points:

1. It was done despite opposition by Federalists: The Federalists opposed the purchase, viewing it as an overreach of presidential power and fearing it would lead to the expansion of what they saw as an unfavored democratic republic. President Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, moved forward with the purchase, illustrating an assertive use of executive power and establishing a precedent for future expansions of federal authority.

2. It was done without clear constitutional authority: Jefferson grappled with the lack of explicit constitutional provision for land acquisition. However, he justified the purchase based on the President's authority to negotiate treaties. This situation raised questions about the limits of federal power and set a precedent for future actions taken by the government without clear constitutional mandates.

These points underscore how the Louisiana Purchase was a significant moment that expanded the powers of the federal government, particularly the Executive Branch, by allowing for a vast territorial expansion despite opposition and constitutional ambiguities.