USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -They believed that the Constitution was a “strict” document that clearly limited the powers of the federal government. Unlike the opposition Federalist Party, the Democratic-Republican Party contended that government did not have the right to adopt additional powers to fulfill its duties under the Constitution.

Detailed explanation-2: -Led by Thomas Jefferson, whom they helped elect to the presidency for two terms (1801-1809), the Republicans believed in individual freedoms and the rights of states. They feared that the concentration of federal power under George Washington and John Adams represented a dangerous threat to liberty.

Detailed explanation-3: -After the ratification of the Constitution, a bitter divide ensued between Democrat-Republicans and Federalists, the former supporting a strict interpretation and the latter advocating a loose interpretation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Democratic-Republicans had most of their support in the South and West. They believed in states’ rights and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and that the government should only do what is stated in it. They were founded on democratic principles and believed in self-government.

Detailed explanation-5: -Why did Jefferson and his Democratic Republican party oppose policies that favored manufacturing and trade? They felt it would corrupt the nation and give power only to a wealthy few.