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Jeffersonian

Other forms: Jeffersonians

Use the political adjective Jeffersonian to describe ideas that follow the policies of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.

The Jeffersonian presidency was characterized by an emphasis on democracy and republicanism — resisting any hint of monarchy or aristocracy. Jefferson strongly opposed the Federalists because he saw them as being too British and too accepting of aristocratic traditions, and Jeffersonian philosophy emphasized the right of the working man to vote. Another highlight of the Jeffersonian era included a non-interventionist foreign policy — more recent presidents, including Barack Obama, are sometimes described as having Jeffersonian policies.

Definitions of Jeffersonian
  1. adjective
    relating to or characteristic of Thomas Jefferson or his principles or theories
    Jeffersonian democracy”
  2. noun
    a follower of Thomas Jefferson or his ideas and principles
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    type of:
    follower
    a person who accepts the leadership of another
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