The Louisiana Purchase

The purchasing of the Louisiana territory was not as easy of a business transaction as one might think. It was a very rushed, stressful process that caused President Thomas Jefferson a considerable amount of mental and emotional anguish. The problem that was the Louisiana purchase can be broken into three parts: Jefferson’s dilemma, Jefferson’s decision, and the consequences. When the opportunity to purchase the Louisiana territory presented itself, Jefferson could not pass it …

…is very wise in his observation that Thomas Jefferson’s actions set a "dangerous precedent" for the future. Jefferson’s dilemma was tough, his decision hard, and the consequences hard felt. But all in all, the Louisiana purchase was very good for the United States. The Question is, when the President "bends" the constitution for what he believes to be in the best political interest of the United States, at what point does it snap?