The characterization of the Jeffersonian Republicans was a strict construction that was opposed to the broad constructionism of the Federalists in terms of rights and politics. Jeffersonians believed in states" rights over congress, a strict interpretation of the constitution and a small government (as supported in the following sources). Such beliefs shined through in his presidency, his intercourses, purchase of Louisiana, and Acts that were passed. However, the laws, like Jefferson's philosophy, would later be found changeable.
Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated in 1801. His philosophy was that the constitution was.
to be followed precisely. For example, when he made the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, his biggest.
concern was surprisingly not about the price, but whether it was constitutional or not. After the purchase Jefferson was so conscience stricken that he secretly proposed a constitutional amendment to be passed. But it was then pointed out to him that Napoleon might suddenly change his mind and Jefferson shamefully submitted the treaties to the Senate, although he admitted privately that the purchase was unconstitutional. Another support to Jefferson's philosophy was shown in his dealings. According to an intercourse between Jefferson and Gideon Granger (a future member of Jefferson's cabinet) in August of 1800, he says, "Our country is too large to have all its affairs directed by a single government the states are independent as to everything within themselves, and united as to everything respecting foreign nations." Those words show how Jefferson was a big supporter of states" rights and not of a large government. Jefferson feared that a large government would result in tyranny, which is what everyone had struggled to escape from. .
Jefferson also believed in separation from church and state and religious freedom. The issue of freedom of religion had long been at hand in England, where your religion was chose for you - or you suffered a great consequence.
