<P> Jefferson's Secretary of State, James Madison (the "Father of the Constitution"), assured Jefferson that the Louisiana Purchase was well within even the strictest interpretation of the Constitution . Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin added that since the power to negotiate treaties was specifically granted to the president, the only way extending the country's territory by treaty could not be a presidential power would be if it were specifically excluded by the Constitution (which it was not). Jefferson, as a strict constructionist, was right to be concerned about staying within the bounds of the Constitution, but felt the power of these arguments and was willing to "acquiesce with satisfaction" if the Congress approved the treaty . </P> <P> The Senate quickly ratified the treaty, and the House, with equal alacrity, authorized the required funding, as the Constitution specifies . </P> <P> The opposition of New England Federalists to the Louisiana Purchase was primarily economic self - interest, not any legitimate concern over constitutionality or whether France indeed owned Louisiana or was required to sell it back to Spain should it desire to dispose of the territory . The Northerners were not enthusiastic about Western farmers gaining another outlet for their crops that did not require the use of New England ports . Also, many Federalists were speculators in lands in upstate New York and New England and were hoping to sell these lands to farmers, who might go west instead, if the Louisiana Purchase went through . They also feared that this would lead to Western states being formed, which would likely be Republican, and dilute the political power of New England Federalists . </P> <P> When Spain later objected to the United States purchasing Louisiana from France, Madison responded that America had first approached Spain about purchasing the property, but had been told by Spain itself that America would have to treat with France for the territory . </P>

Why was france willing to sell louisiana to the united states