Jeffersonian democracy


Jeffersonian democracy [(jef-uhr-soh-nee-uhn)]

A movement for more democracy in American government in the first decade of the nineteenth century. The movement was led by President Thomas Jefferson. Jeffersonian democracy was less radical than the later Jacksonian democracy. For example, where Jacksonian democracy held that the common citizen was the best judge of measures, Jeffersonian democracy stressed the need for leadership by those of greatest ability, who would be chosen by the people.

Read Also:

  • Jeffersonianism

    [jef-er-soh-nee-uh n] /ˌdʒɛf ərˈsoʊ ni ən/ adjective 1. pertaining to or advocating the political principles and doctrines of Thomas , especially those stressing minimum control by the central government, the inalienable rights of the individual, and the superiority of an agrarian economy and rural society. noun 2. a supporter of Thomas or Jeffersonianism. 1799 (n.), […]

  • Jeffersontown

    [jef-er-suh n-toun] /ˈdʒɛf ər sənˌtaʊn/ noun 1. a town in N Kentucky.

  • Jeffersonville

    [jef-er-suh n-vil] /ˈdʒɛf ər sənˌvɪl/ noun 1. a city in S Indiana, on the Ohio River.

  • Jeffrey

    [jef-ree] /ˈdʒɛf ri/ noun 1. Francis (“Lord Jeffrey”) 1773–1850, Scottish jurist, editor, and critic. 2. a male given name: from a Germanic word meaning “divine peace.”. /ˈdʒɛfrɪ/ noun 1. Francis, Lord. 1773–1850, Scottish judge and literary critic. As editor of the Edinburgh Review (1803–29), he was noted for the severity of his criticism of the […]

  • Jeffrey-pine

    noun 1. a conifer, Pinus jeffreyi, of high mountains in the western U.S., having long needles, large cones, and aromatic bark.


Disclaimer: Jeffersonian democracy definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.