In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine the contested election of 1800, in which Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in electoral votes and the House of Representatives decided the presidency over 36 ballots. Students also explore Jefferson's laissez faire governing philosophy, his efforts to reduce federal power and military spending, and the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. The lesson builds sequencing skills by tracing how Jefferson's "Revolution of 1800" shifted the country away from Federalist policies.
Section 1
Jefferson Transforms Government with Peaceful Power Transfer
The 1800 election ended in a House of Representatives vote after Jefferson and Burr tied with 73 electoral votes. Jefferson's inauguration marked the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties.
Section 2
Republicans Limit Federal Power Through Laissez-Faire
Jefferson aimed to reduce government influence by cutting the number of federal employees, shrinking the military budget, eliminating internal taxes, and repealing the Sedition Act while maintaining debt repayment.
Section 3
Supreme Court Establishes Judicial Review Authority
In Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional, establishing the Supreme Court's power to determine whether laws violated the Constitution.
Section 4
Congress Corrects Electoral Problems Through Amendment
After the 1800 electoral tie between Jefferson and Burr, the Twelfth Amendment changed voting procedures, requiring electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president beginning in 1804.
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Section 1
Jefferson Transforms Government with Peaceful Power Transfer
The 1800 election ended in a House of Representatives vote after Jefferson and Burr tied with 73 electoral votes. Jefferson's inauguration marked the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties.
Section 2
Republicans Limit Federal Power Through Laissez-Faire
Jefferson aimed to reduce government influence by cutting the number of federal employees, shrinking the military budget, eliminating internal taxes, and repealing the Sedition Act while maintaining debt repayment.
Section 3
Supreme Court Establishes Judicial Review Authority
In Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional, establishing the Supreme Court's power to determine whether laws violated the Constitution.
Section 4
Congress Corrects Electoral Problems Through Amendment
After the 1800 electoral tie between Jefferson and Burr, the Twelfth Amendment changed voting procedures, requiring electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president beginning in 1804.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter