Thomas Jefferson And The Philosophies Of Jeffersonian Democracy
Schultz defines the term Jeffersonian democracy as, “Innovation introduced by Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party when they eagerly cultivated popular opinion by campaigning at the grassroots level” (Schultz, K.M., 2013). Most notably, Thomas Jefferson envisioned a society led by an agrarian upper class, in lieu of big government, that would essentially rule over a society of small independent self-sufficient farmers. But, in a paradoxical manner, Jefferson’s presidency both defined and contradicted his personal philosophies.
To begin with, Thomas Jefferson’s presidency definitely embodied the principles of the Jeffersonian Democracy. These principles were exemplified in the domestic policies implemented by Thomas Jefferson. For example,
he made efforts to reduce the size of government by lowering taxes and cutting the military size to the dismay of his many critics; which was in line with his personal ambitions as it related to the ideals of an agrarian society. Also, Jefferson supervised the development of the first national court system that established the concept of judicial review and the legality that partisanship was not a crime. Furthermore, he sought numerous ways to expand the Republic in order to create a society that allowed every farmer to be self-sufficient.
However, when the purpose suited him, Thomas Jefferson’s actions were at times in contradiction to the principles he so often championed. While, maintaining the belief “that farming provided the moral basis for good citizenship” (Schultz, K.M., 2013), Jefferson was consistent in his effort to increase the nation’s geographical size. As a result, Thomas Jefferson sought to acquire Louisiana via the Louisiana Purchase. But, as President, Thomas Jefferson did not have the authority to buy Louisiana. Undeterred, Thomas Jefferson, went on to use his position and status, essentially an abuse of power, to purchase the state of Louisiana. In retrospect, “Although he claimed to believe that federal power was dangerous and that the Constitution had to be followed strictly, Jefferson was willing to bend his own rules to expand America’s western boundary all the way to the Rockies” (Schultz, K.M., 2013).
To begin with, Thomas Jefferson’s presidency definitely embodied the principles of the Jeffersonian Democracy. These principles were exemplified in the domestic policies implemented by Thomas Jefferson. For example,
he made efforts to reduce the size of government by lowering taxes and cutting the military size to the dismay of his many critics; which was in line with his personal ambitions as it related to the ideals of an agrarian society. Also, Jefferson supervised the development of the first national court system that established the concept of judicial review and the legality that partisanship was not a crime. Furthermore, he sought numerous ways to expand the Republic in order to create a society that allowed every farmer to be self-sufficient.
However, when the purpose suited him, Thomas Jefferson’s actions were at times in contradiction to the principles he so often championed. While, maintaining the belief “that farming provided the moral basis for good citizenship” (Schultz, K.M., 2013), Jefferson was consistent in his effort to increase the nation’s geographical size. As a result, Thomas Jefferson sought to acquire Louisiana via the Louisiana Purchase. But, as President, Thomas Jefferson did not have the authority to buy Louisiana. Undeterred, Thomas Jefferson, went on to use his position and status, essentially an abuse of power, to purchase the state of Louisiana. In retrospect, “Although he claimed to believe that federal power was dangerous and that the Constitution had to be followed strictly, Jefferson was willing to bend his own rules to expand America’s western boundary all the way to the Rockies” (Schultz, K.M., 2013).