USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Why did Jefferson choose a Laissez-faire government? He thought adults were capable of making their own decisions in life. He thought government officials had more important things to do. He thought it took too long to write and pass laws.

Detailed explanation-2: -*Jefferson thought the federal gov’t under Washington and Adams had become too involved in economic affairs. He believed in laissez-faire (“let alone” – gov’t should not interfere in economy). *Jefferson put his laissez faire ideas into place when he reduced the number of people in gov’t (saved money).

Detailed explanation-3: -He wanted a government that would respect the authority of individual states, operate with a smaller bureaucracy, and cut its debts. Jefferson also felt that the country should eliminate Hamilton’s standing army by relying on a “disciplined militia” for national defense against invasion.

Detailed explanation-4: -Jefferson gradually assumed leadership of the Republicans, who sympathized with the revolutionary cause in France. Attacking Federalist policies, he opposed a strong centralized Government and championed the rights of states.

Detailed explanation-5: -Best Type of Government: Because he believed in the ability of people to govern themselves, Jefferson favored giving more power to state governments. Jefferson felt that government power should not be concentrated in one central or federal government, but should be spread out among the individual states as well.