Final answer:
The Louisiana Purchase advanced Jefferson's vision of an agrarian America but contradicted his strict constitutionalism regarding government size and authority. It also raised issues about the extension of slavery and exacerbated sectional divisions, particularly with the debate leading up to the Missouri Compromise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase furthered Jefferson's ideals of an 'empire of liberty' by doubling the size of the United States and providing the potential for the westward expansion of an agrarian society. It upheld his vision of a nation of yeoman farmers by enabling agriculture and trade, particularly with the acquisition of the Port of New Orleans and access to the Mississippi River.
However, the purchase also contradicted Jefferson's strict interpretation of the Constitution concerning the size and scope of the national government.
Despite his opposition to unnecessary expenditures and the absence of constitutional authority for such land acquisition, Jefferson prioritized the agrarian dream over his strict constitutional convictions. The expansion also brought up contentious questions regarding the extension of slavery into new territories.
Politically, the acquisition enhanced Jefferson's popularity, contributing to his landslide re-election in 1804. However, it sparked northern fears of more slave states and a lack of representation. The Missouri Compromise exposed the sectional divisions that the purchase aggravated, making Jefferson worry about the future unity of the nation.