![]() Under his interpretation, Hamilton’s financial plan was unconstitutional as it represented federal overreach and would set a dangerous precedent.įormer anti-Federalists, or those who opposed ratification of the Constitution, flocked to Jeffersonianism as it most closely represented their views of more powerful state governments instead of the federal government. Jefferson interpreted a strict view of Article I of the Constitution which granted powers to the federal government. Hamilton’s financial plan to create a national bank as well as assume state debts was fiercely opposed by Thomas Jefferson and his supporters. The Jeffersonians had their roots in the direct aftermath of the ratification of the Constitution. This was in strict opposition to the Alexander Hamilton-led Federalist view of a strong central government. Limited Federal GovernmentĪ primary belief of Jeffersonians was to have a limited federal government. Regardless of the contradictions, Jeffersonian beliefs and ideals played a major role in the early 19th century United States. However, this would entail additional government bureaucracy and levying of additional taxes which would inherently impinge on personal freedoms. In addition Jeffersonians generally favored free education for all at the public’s expense. ![]() But at the same time they recognized the importance of the manufacturing sector so as not to become completely reliant on foreign trade. Jeffersonians distrusted manufacturing for the ills it brought on society. The primary Jeffersonian beliefs of the Democratic Republicans included a limited federal government with more emphasis placed on state and local governments, an agrarian economy, and a belief in the common laborer over the aristocracy.Ībove all, Jeffersonians idealized personal freedoms and liberty they strongly feared a powerful aristocracy where corruption reigned and power was consolidated at the expense of the poorest among society.Īt times Jeffersonian beliefs contradicted themselves. Why Was the Jeffersonian Era Important?.1800-1808 – Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency.Jefferson’s presidency sparked the beginning of the Jeffersonian Era, a timeline of which shows just how important it was in the trajectory of the early United States. While Jeffersonians subscribed to lofty ideals, it was much more difficult to implement those in practice. Not only was it a peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans, but Jeffersonian beliefs could now dominate the political landscape. Thomas Jefferson’s victory in the election of 1800 was seen as a revolution in the United States. The republic was best served when it worked in the interests of the farmers and common folk. Jeffersonian democracy also deeply opposed the burgeoning American aristocracy on the basis of corruption and fear of consolidated power. Jeffersonian beliefs merged into the Democratic-Republican party whereby the ideals of a limited central government, agrarian-style economy, emphasis on states’ rights, and individual liberties reigned supreme. Two political parties emerged in the United States despite George Washington’s warnings in his Farewell Address: the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republicans. ![]() Jefferson’s beliefs are commonly referred to as “Jeffersonian democracy,” which became the dominant political view during the early 19th century. One of the most influential members of the early United States was Thomas Jefferson.
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