Final answer:
President Thomas Jefferson, as a strict constructionist, questioned his constitutional right when purchasing the Louisiana Territory. No explicit provision in the Constitution allowed for territory acquisition, causing Jefferson's initial hesitation. He resolved the issue by using the President's treaty-making power.
Step-by-step explanation:
While serving as President, Thomas Jefferson, known for adhering to a strict interpretation of the US Constitution, or being a 'strict constructionist', often found himself questioning the extent of his constitutional rights. One instance of this was his struggle over the constitutional right to purchase the Louisiana Territory. With 'the Louisiana Purchase' no explicit provision existed within the Constitution that permitted a president to acquire new territory. As a 'strict constructionist', Jefferson initially wrestled with this issue since it was not directly specified in the Constitution. However, he eventually rationalized the purchase by using the President's treaty-making power, paving the way for this historic event in American expansion.
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