Thomas Jefferson dismissed many customs collectors from New England ports when he assumed the presidency because
A) he found evidence of their corruption.
B) he did not consider them to be qualified for their jobs.
C) they had consistently refused to enforce the tariffs enacted by Congress.
D) he wanted to replace Federalist officials with Democratic-Republican officials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jefferson wanted to replace Federalist officials with Democratic-Republican officials, as he believed that Federalist appointees were partisan and not trustworthy to carry out his goals. This included customs collectors in New England ports, who were primarily Federalist. Jefferson even referred to them as the "monocrats of the custom-house."

Thomas Jefferson Dismissed Many Customs Collectors from New England Ports