Louisiana+Purchase

Louisiana Purchase In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, roughly doubling the land area of the U.S. Was the Louisiana Purchase: • In the best interests of the U.S., because Louisiana represented a prime source of growth and economic potential for the U.S.? (PRO) • Not in the best interest of the U.S., because the Constitution did not give the federal government the power to purchase land, and any attempt by the president to do so was a dangerous misuse of power? (CON)

PRO:New Orleans and the Mississippi River were so crucial to the national economy, they argued, that any foreign control over them would threaten U.S. security.

CON:Something else is that the president will be abusing his power

PRO: He wont be abusing his power if he spent that much money for it.

CON:The constution gives the federal government no authority to purchase Louisiana in the first place.

PRO: But congress could buy the Louisiana because it was neccessary and proper to help the U.S. economy, even though the const. didnt say they had the power to buy land.

CON:Even if it were wise to purchase that territory, the matter should be left to the states.

PRO:Thats what the president is for dah...

CON:The purchase of Louisiana is simply not necessary since the US already has more than enough land to fulfill its needs.

PRO:I won..