How Did Thomas Jefferson's Beliefs Differ From The Federalists
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson and his followers gained control of the American government. This created a change within America as the antifederalists finally were in charge with different ideas in mind compared to the federalists. Though difficult at first in making some ideas work, they were able to make some changes to benefit America. Under Thomas Jefferson, there was a distinctive vision for the economy, culture, politics, and education, and there was also the War of 1812
Economy
Jefferson wanted a simple economy focusing on independent farmers. He was against the idea of technology and manufacturing. In short, he was a country man. “Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever He had a chosen people,” he wrote. It was all about producing raw goods rather than finished goods (Mr. Kash's …show more content…
Americans were to become literate and artistic to a level to be the “seat of the empire” and the “final stage” to civilization. Also, churches detached from government and only a small portion of whites were member of churches. This was caused from decline in commitment to the church because they were considered too formal or traditional. This spurred the Second Great Awakening; the opposition of religious rationalism and encouraging church establishments (Brinkley, 2012).
Politics
Thomas Jefferson believed in a national government that was to be limited in power. The federal government should only have the powers that the Constitution specifically states it has. Therefore, if the Constitution does not say that the government can actually do something, then they cannot. It was also his belief, unlike Hamilton, that the national debt and extensive taxation not exist. During Jefferson’s presidency, he did reduce the national debt by nearly half and eliminated many taxes so that the only national revenue was customs and selling Western lands (Brinkley, 2012).
Economy
Jefferson wanted a simple economy focusing on independent farmers. He was against the idea of technology and manufacturing. In short, he was a country man. “Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever He had a chosen people,” he wrote. It was all about producing raw goods rather than finished goods (Mr. Kash's …show more content…
Americans were to become literate and artistic to a level to be the “seat of the empire” and the “final stage” to civilization. Also, churches detached from government and only a small portion of whites were member of churches. This was caused from decline in commitment to the church because they were considered too formal or traditional. This spurred the Second Great Awakening; the opposition of religious rationalism and encouraging church establishments (Brinkley, 2012).
Politics
Thomas Jefferson believed in a national government that was to be limited in power. The federal government should only have the powers that the Constitution specifically states it has. Therefore, if the Constitution does not say that the government can actually do something, then they cannot. It was also his belief, unlike Hamilton, that the national debt and extensive taxation not exist. During Jefferson’s presidency, he did reduce the national debt by nearly half and eliminated many taxes so that the only national revenue was customs and selling Western lands (Brinkley, 2012).