Did Thomas Jefferson change his policy after becoming president and how? (i.e. he was for strict interpretation of the constitution and etc.)
Thank you :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Thomas_Jefferson
Yes, Thomas Jefferson did change his policy after becoming president in certain aspects, particularly regarding his views on the interpretation of the Constitution and his vision for the role of the federal government.
Before his presidency, Jefferson was a proponent of strict interpretation of the Constitution. He believed that the federal government should have limited powers and should only exercise those powers explicitly granted in the Constitution. Jefferson's strict constructionist views were evident in his opposition to Alexander Hamilton's policies, such as the establishment of a national bank.
However, once Jefferson assumed the presidency in 1801, his stance on strict interpretation began to evolve. One notable example is his decision to support the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Constitution did not explicitly grant the federal government the power to acquire new territory, but Jefferson saw the opportunity to expand the country and promote agrarian interests. In this case, he embraced a loose interpretation of the Constitution, arguing that the president's power to negotiate treaties included the power to acquire land.
Additionally, Jefferson's policy shift extended to other areas, such as the economy and government spending. While initially advocating for a reduction in the size and power of the federal government, he recognized the need for federal power and intervention to maintain national unity and secure the country's interests. He supported infrastructure projects, including road building and expeditions of exploration. Jefferson also expanded the size of the military and navy to protect American interests.
In summary, Thomas Jefferson did modify his policy positions after becoming president. He moved away from a strict interpretation of the Constitution in certain instances, embracing a more flexible approach to achieve his goals of territorial expansion, economic growth, and national security.