Jefferson's only hesitation about buying the Louisiana Territory was that he believed the purchase might not be constitutional. As a strict constructionist, Jefferson was concerned that there was no explicit provision in the Constitution granting the federal government the power to acquire new territory.
To overcome this hesitation, Jefferson ultimately decided to interpret the Constitution broadly and argue that the purchase of the Louisiana Territory was necessary and proper for the United States to secure its national interests and expansion. He also sought the approval of Congress, who ultimately ratified the Louisiana Purchase in October 1803.
What was Jefferson's only hesitation about buying the Louisiana Territory? How did he overcome that hesitation?
3 answers
summarize this
Jefferson's only hesitation about buying the Louisiana Territory was its potential lack of constitutionality. To overcome this, he interpreted the Constitution broadly and argued that the purchase was necessary for the nation's interests. With the approval of Congress, the Louisiana Purchase was ratified in October 1803.
1 answer