Use the excerpt to answer the question. On October 20, 1803, the Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty by a vote of twenty-four to seven. The agreement, which provided for the purchase of the western half of the Mississippi River basin from France at a price of $15 million, or approximately four cents per acre, doubled the size of the country and paved the way for westward expansion beyond the Mississippi.QuestionBased on the excerpt, which of the following statements can be inferred about the effect the Louisiana Purchase would have on the United States?

1. Because of the high cost of the purchase, the United States would struggle even more with the public debt.
2. Because of the treaty, the French could no longer pose a threat against the United States.
3. Because of the purchase of the territory, Americans could now legally start settling regions in the West.
4. Because of its ratification of the treaty, Congress confirmed that presidents had the power to purchase land.

3. Because of the purchase of the territory, Americans could now legally start settling regions in the West.

Based on the excerpt, statement 3 can be inferred about the effect the Louisiana Purchase would have on the United States. The purchase of the territory allowed Americans to legally start settling regions in the West.

Based on the excerpt, statement number 3 can be inferred about the effect the Louisiana Purchase would have on the United States. The excerpt states that the purchase of the western half of the Mississippi River basin doubled the size of the country and paved the way for westward expansion beyond the Mississippi. This implies that Americans could now legally start settling regions in the West.