Question

Based on this document, why did Federalists oppose the Louisiana Purchase? (List 2 reasons).

A) Economic benefits
B) Territorial expansion
C) Constitutional concerns
D) International diplomacy

Answer 1

Federalists opposed the Louisiana Purchase due to constitutional concerns over the expansion of executive power and apprehension about the consequences for international diplomacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Federalists opposed the Louisiana Purchase primarily for two reasons:

1. Constitutional concerns: They had a strict interpretation of the Constitution and believed that it did not provide the President the power to acquire new land through purchase. The act of buying Louisiana from France was seen as an overreach of executive authority, and this troubled many Federalists, including President Jefferson himself, despite his eventual decision to proceed with the purchase.
2. International diplomacy: The Federalists were concerned with maintaining good relations with European powers, particularly Great Britain, with whom the U.S. had a complicated relationship. They feared that acquiring land from France could potentially anger the British or lead to further international conflicts.

These concerns reflect the Federalist view that the Constitution should be interpreted narrowly and that foreign policy should be approached cautiously to maintain stability and good relations with European nations.

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