Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson's decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory was seen as hypocritical because it went against his strict adherence to the Constitution, despite the lack of constitutional authority to make such an arrangement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson's decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory was considered hypocritical by some because it went against his strict adherence to the Constitution. As stated in the Constitution, there was no explicit provision that granted Jefferson the power to acquire new territory. Jefferson's political philosophy was marked by his belief in limited government powers. However, his desire to expand American territory and ensure access to the Mississippi River for trade and westward expansion outweighed his concern for constitutional limitations.