Which principle is associated with Jeffersonian Republicanism?

Jeffersonian Republicanism is fundamentally linked to the idea of a limited federal government, which includes strong advocacy for a small federal military. Thomas Jefferson and his supporters believed that a small military would help prevent the central government from becoming too powerful and potentially tyrannical, reflecting their commitment to states' rights and individual liberties. They held that a large military could lead to oppression and the centralization of power, contradicting the ideals of a government that serves the people more directly and closely.

In this context, Jefferson's vision emphasized a focus on agrarian interests and the importance of local governance, where the military would not exert significant influence over civilian life. This principle was a response to the perceived overreach of federal power that they associated with the Federalists, who advocated for a stronger national defense and a larger military presence. Thus, the support for a small federal military is a cornerstone of Jeffersonian Republicanism, epitomizing the broader ethos of limiting federal authority to protect individual freedoms and state sovereignty.