His second term was beset with difficulties at home, including the trial of former vice president Aaron Burr. In 1807, American foreign trade was diminished when Jefferson implemented the Embargo Act in response to British threats to U.S. shipping. The same year, Jefferson signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves. After retiring from public office, he founded the University of Virginia. Beginning with Jefferson's electioneering for the 'revolution of 1800,' his political efforts were based on egalitarian appeals. In his later years, he referred to the 1800 election 'as real a revolution in the principles of our government as that of '76 was in its form,' one 'not effected indeed by the sword ... but by the ... suffrage of the people.' Voter participation grew during Jefferson's presidency, increasing to 'unimaginable levels' compared to the Federalist Era, with turnout of about 67,000 in 1800 rising to about 143,000 in 1804. Finkelman, Paul, ed. The Encyclopedia of American Civil Liberties A-F Index. 1. Taylor & Francis Group.
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