From Henrietta Maria Colden, 5 Feb. 1791
Henrietta Maria Colden, a friend of Alexander Hamilton, shares her views on political subjects with Jefferson.
The Business of Government
As president, Jefferson served as the head of the executive branch as well as of his party. How did government function? How did checks and balances, the separation of powers, and the rule of law reveal the era’s civic ideals in theory and/or practice?
Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bill for Establishing a National Bank, 15 Feb. 1791
Jefferson asserts that since the Constitution does not explicitly grant the power to establish a national bank to the federal government, that power belongs to the states and the people. Therefore he believes that the bill is unconstitutional.
To George Washington, 1 May 1791
Jefferson believes the production of maple sugar and olive oil will reduce US dependence on foreign trade.
Notes of a Conversation with Alexander Hamilton, 13 Aug. 1791
Alexander Hamilton expresses support for the republican form of government and a desire to "give it fair course." He criticizes anyone who "by his writings disturbs the present order of things."
To George Washington, 23 May 1792
Jefferson opposes the fiscal policy of the Treasury Department in this milestone document in the history of the American party system showing the antagonism between Jefferson and Hamilton.
The Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, 10 November 1798
Jefferson challenges the constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Acts and suggests the possibility of a state's authority to nullify federal law.
Circular to the Heads of Departments, 6 November 1801
Jefferson sends his cabinet members his thoughts on "the mode & degrees of communication" by which the business of government should be conducted, taking as his model the administrative example of George Washington.
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 January 1803
Jefferson solicits congressional support for extending external commerce, especially by funding an exploration of the Missouri River and the territory beyond it He suggests an appropriation of $2,500 to advance "the geographical knowledge of our own continent" and to find a route to the Pacific Ocean.
From Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 September 1803
After conversing with Jefferson and considering Article 4, Section 3 of the US Constitution, Nicholas argues that no amendment is necessary for the acquisition of Louisiana He advises the president against issuing a public opinion that an amendment is needed.
To Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 September 1803
Although Jefferson maintains that a “safe & precise” interpretation would require amending the Constitution before adding new territory to the union, he gives up his insistence on an amendment for Louisiana.