<P> Jefferson has been called "the most democratic of the Founding fathers ." The Jeffersonians advocated a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's Article I provisions granting powers to the federal government . They strenuously opposed the Federalist Party, led by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton . President George Washington generally supported Hamilton's program for a financially strong national government . The election of Jefferson in 1800, which he called' The revolution of 1800,' brought in the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson and the permanent eclipse of the Federalists, apart from the Supreme Court . </P> <P> "Jeffersonian democracy" is an umbrella term, and some factions favored some positions more than others . While principled, with vehemently held core beliefs, the Jeffersonians had factions that disputed the true meaning of their creed . For example, during the War of 1812, it became apparent that independent state militia units were inadequate for conducting a serious war against a major country . The new Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, a Jeffersonian, proposed to build up the Army . With the support of most Republicans in Congress he got his way . However, the "Old Republican" faction, claiming to be true to the Jeffersonian Principles of' 98, fought him and reduced the size of the Army after Spain sold Florida to the U.S. </P> <P> Historians characterize Jeffersonian democracy as including the following core ideals: </P> <Ul> <Li> The core political value of America is republicanism; citizens have a civic duty to aid the state and resist corruption, especially monarchism and aristocracy . </Li> <Li> Jeffersonian values are best expressed through an organized political party . The Jeffersonian party was officially the "Republican Party" (political scientists later called it the Democratic - Republican Party to differentiate it from the later Republican Party of Lincoln .) </Li> <Li> It was the duty of citizens to vote, and the Jeffersonians invented many modern campaign techniques designed to get out the vote . Turnout indeed soared across the country . The work of John J. Beckley, Jefferson's agent in Pennsylvania, set new standards in the 1790s . In the 1796 presidential election he blanketed the state with agents who passed out 30,000 hand - written tickets, naming all 15 electors (printed tickets were not allowed). Historians consider Beckley to be one of the first American professional campaign managers, and his techniques were quickly adopted in other states . </Li> <Li> The Federalist Party, especially its leader Alexander Hamilton, was the arch - foe, because of its acceptance of aristocracy and British methods . </Li> <Li> The national government is a dangerous necessity to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community; it should be watched closely and circumscribed in its powers . Most Anti-Federalists from 1787--88 joined the Jeffersonians . </Li> <Li> Separation of church and state is the best method to keep government free of religious disputes, and religion free from corruption by government . </Li> <Li> The federal government must not violate the rights of individuals . The Bill of Rights is a central theme . </Li> <Li> The federal government must not violate the rights of the states . The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 (written secretly by Jefferson and James Madison) proclaim these principles . </Li> <Li> Freedom of speech and the press are the best methods to prevent tyranny over the people by their own government . The Federalists' violation of this freedom through the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 became a major issue . </Li> <Li> The yeoman farmer best exemplifies civic virtue and independence from corrupting city influences; government policy should be for his benefit . Financiers, bankers and industrialists make cities the' cesspools of corruption', and should be avoided . </Li> </Ul>

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