Jefferson's Limited Government Revolution
How Thomas Jefferson redefined the role of federal government From Federalist expansion to Democratic-Republican restraint Grade 7 History - US Government Evolution
Jefferson's Vision: A New Approach to Government
Government's main job: protect citizens' rights Interfere as little as possible in daily lives Believed Federalists made government too large and powerful Favored limited government with fewer laws and lower taxes
Jefferson's Government Reforms in Action
Reduced government spending significantly Cut the size of army and navy (unnecessary in peacetime) Repealed the unpopular whiskey tax Reduced number of government employees and departments
The Philosophy of Laissez-Faire
"Let people do as they please" - the economic philosophy Jefferson embraced Developed by economist Adam Smith Businesses should operate freely with minimal government interference
Laissez-Faire vs. Federalist Economic Views
{"left":"Businesses should operate freely\nCompetition benefits society\nLimited government involvement in economy","right":"Government should guide economic growth\nStrong federal role in banking and trade\nNational economic planning necessary"}
Balancing Change and Stability
Kept the Bank of the United States despite previous opposition Continued paying off state debts to maintain trust Allowed many Federalists to keep their government jobs Avoided sudden changes that might weaken the country
Marbury v. Madison (1803): A Landmark Decision
William Marbury sued when his judge appointment wasn't delivered Chief Justice John Marshall faced a difficult decision Ruled Marbury had a right to his job BUT the law was unconstitutional Created judicial review - Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional
GimKit Challenge: Jefferson's Government Revolution
Answer questions to gain energy and climb higher! Topics: Limited government, laissez-faire, judicial review Two ways to win: Reach Summit 3 OR answer 50 questions Be precise - one wrong answer means a long fall down!
Jefferson's Lasting Legacy
Proved government could be both limited AND effective Established judicial review as a check on government power Balanced idealism with practical leadership Set the stage for westward expansion (Louisiana Purchase coming next) Created lasting debate about federal vs. state power
1 more slide available after you open the deck.
Download all 10 slides