Question

What does Jefferson say about whether the US Constitution allows for an agreement such as the Louisiana Purchase? how can you tell

Answer 1

Thomas Jefferson had always feared the costs of loose construction of the powers delegated to the national government in the Constitution, and the Constitution was silent about acquiring lands from other countries. Jefferson urged bringing the issue to the people to approve with a constitutional amendment, but Congress disregarded his draft amendments. The Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty in October of 1803. While Jefferson did his best to follow what he believed was proper constitutional procedure, not enough of his contemporaries agreed with him and he eventually assented.

Answer 2

Jefferson accepts that the Louisiana Purchase is "an act beyond the Constitution." In other words, it’s a type of agreement that the Constitution doesn’t directly authorize. He mentions that the US Constitution doesn’t say anything about holding foreign territory. He wants Congress to add a new article to the Constitution that will make the purchase valid, although it had not been authorized.

Step-by-step explanation:

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