Advisor: Casper, Scott E. (NHC Fellow, 2005–06)

By Cave, Karen Carroll (NHC Education Digital Projects Coordinator, 2016–18)

As a strict constructionist of the US Constitution, supporting only those powers specifically granted by the document, Thomas Jefferson questioned his executive authority to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France. However, the economic and national security benefits offered by the Louisiana Purchase to the fledgling nation outweighed the potential political risks of the land deal.

Subjects

History / Education Studies / American History / Louisiana Purchase / Presidents of the United States / American Westward Expansion / United States Constitution / Primary Sources /