What principle did Jeffersonian Republicanism emphasize?

Jeffersonian Republicanism emphasized the decentralization of power with popular participation. This political philosophy, associated with Thomas Jefferson, was rooted in the belief that the government should be more closely connected to the will of the people and that political power should be diffused to avoid the tyranny often seen in strong centralized governments. Jefferson and his followers advocated for a government that derived its authority from the consent of the governed, promoting concepts such as individual rights, states' rights, and agrarianism.

The focus on decentralization was part of a broader vision of America as a nation of independent farmers and citizens who actively participated in political processes. Jefferson believed that a small, local government would be more responsive to the needs of its citizens than a powerful federal entity. This stood in contrast to the Federalists, who favored a strong central government capable of maintaining order and promoting economic growth.

Jeffersonian Republicanism's emphasis on popular participation encouraged civic engagement and the idea that ordinary Americans could have a direct influence on their government, making it a pivotal aspect in developing democratic practices in the early United States.