Pragmatic President Jefferson
By: Ashley Nordon and Alisha Mathew
Background Info
Pragmatist- Someone who deals with problems in a sensible, practical way instead of following a set of ideas
Core Beliefs
- Strict interpretation of Constitution
- Agricultural economy
- Strong state power
Views
Positive Beliefs
- Protect individual rights
- Lower voting requirements
- Faith in the common man
- Pay off national debt
Negative Beliefs
- Opposed a federal bank
- Against import tariffs
- Against foreign trade
Federal Bank
- Originally against it
- He found out during his presidency that the federal bank was better for the country so he then changed his mind on it which made him pragmatic
- Enforced in later years
Louisiana Purchase
He was was savvy
- He bought the land for 3 cents an acre
- Total of 15 million dollars
- Jefferson sent ministers to offer Spain 10 million dollars to New Orleans Port and West Florida
- The river to Louisiana was good for the farmers, they needed fresh water for their farming of crops.
- Thought by saving money and getting a deal it was the best for the country/ the future
Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Jefferson personally requested
- They explored Louisiana territory and more
- Assisted in the people's understanding and migration west