Activity Overview
Have students outline and explain the major policies and actions Jefferson took during his presidency. They should cover subjects like domestic policy, foreign policy, interpretation of the constitution, criticisms, and proponents’ and opponents’ viewpoints. Teachers may select any subject or thematic ideas they want their students to concentrate on. Students will be able to extend their research and knowledge beyond the election of 1800, examining what Jefferson actually did as president upon winning the position. They will also be able to analyze and explain the implications of the election of 1800, and how it further shaped history.
Major Policies of Thomas Jefferson
- States’ Rights
- Interpreting the Constitution
- Louisiana Purchase
- Foreign Policy
- Domestic Policy
- Embargo Act of 1807
Extended Activity
Have students create a traditional storyboard outlining the winner’s ideas and actions in whichever election they had previously researched and/or compared to the election of 1800. Have students compare and contrast each candidate's policies and ideas, and how it too had historical implications.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that outlines the major policies and actions President Jefferson took during his presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, type in the ideas you are analyzing.
- In the description box, explain the ideas.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Have students outline and explain the major policies and actions Jefferson took during his presidency. They should cover subjects like domestic policy, foreign policy, interpretation of the constitution, criticisms, and proponents’ and opponents’ viewpoints. Teachers may select any subject or thematic ideas they want their students to concentrate on. Students will be able to extend their research and knowledge beyond the election of 1800, examining what Jefferson actually did as president upon winning the position. They will also be able to analyze and explain the implications of the election of 1800, and how it further shaped history.
Major Policies of Thomas Jefferson
- States’ Rights
- Interpreting the Constitution
- Louisiana Purchase
- Foreign Policy
- Domestic Policy
- Embargo Act of 1807
Extended Activity
Have students create a traditional storyboard outlining the winner’s ideas and actions in whichever election they had previously researched and/or compared to the election of 1800. Have students compare and contrast each candidate's policies and ideas, and how it too had historical implications.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that outlines the major policies and actions President Jefferson took during his presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, type in the ideas you are analyzing.
- In the description box, explain the ideas.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Election of 1800: Thomas Jefferson Presidency
Energize Discussion with a Mock Debate on Jefferson’s Presidency
Engage your students by organizing a mock debate that lets them take on the roles of Jefferson’s supporters and critics. This helps deepen understanding of the era’s controversies and builds critical thinking skills.
Assign students to research and represent historical figures’ viewpoints
Have each student choose or be assigned a real historical figure from Jefferson’s time, such as Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, or James Madison. Students will research their figure’s beliefs and prepare arguments from that perspective for the debate.
Set clear debate topics based on Jefferson’s key policies
Pick major issues like the Louisiana Purchase, Embargo Act, or interpretation of the Constitution. This keeps the debate focused and allows students to explore specific historical controversies.
Guide students in preparing arguments and evidence
Encourage students to use primary sources and quotes from the era. This builds research skills and ensures arguments are grounded in historical context.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful discourse
Moderate the discussion and remind students to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. This teaches civic dialogue and helps students practice effective communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Election of 1800: Thomas Jefferson Presidency
What were the major policies and actions of Thomas Jefferson during his presidency?
Thomas Jefferson's presidency was marked by major policies such as the Louisiana Purchase, emphasizing states’ rights, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, the Embargo Act of 1807, and efforts to reduce federal government power. He focused on both domestic and foreign policy changes that shaped the early United States.
How did Thomas Jefferson interpret the Constitution differently from his opponents?
Jefferson advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, believing the federal government should only exercise powers explicitly granted. His opponents, like the Federalists, favored a broader interpretation to allow for more federal authority.
What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase under Jefferson's presidency?
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States, gave control of the Mississippi River, and set a precedent for westward expansion. It was one of Jefferson’s most impactful achievements as president.
Why was the Embargo Act of 1807 important in Jefferson's foreign policy?
The Embargo Act of 1807 was enacted to avoid war and protect American interests by banning trade with foreign nations. However, it hurt the U.S. economy and was widely unpopular, becoming a major criticism of Jefferson’s foreign policy.
What were the main criticisms and support points for Jefferson’s presidency?
Critics argued Jefferson overstepped constitutional boundaries (e.g., with the Louisiana Purchase) and damaged trade with the Embargo Act. Supporters praised his commitment to democracy, limited government, and expanding the nation’s territory.
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