Monroe was a curious nine-year-old who loved learning about history. One day, his teacher, Ms. Chris, announced that their class would be studying the life of Thomas Jefferson, one of America's founding fathers. Monroe was excited to learn more about this important figure.

As Ms. Chris began teaching the class, Monroe listened intently. He was fascinated by Jefferson's role in the American Revolution and his work as the third President of the United States. But what really caught Monroe's attention was the story of how Jefferson came up with the idea for the Louisiana Purchase.

According to Ms. Chris, in 1803, Jefferson faced a difficult decision. France was offering to sell a vast stretch of land west of the Mississippi River, known as the Louisiana Territory, for a mere $15 million. This was an incredible opportunity, but Jefferson wasn't sure if he had the authority to make such a purchase without the approval of Congress.