What was a significant fear of Thomas Jefferson regarding government?

Thomas Jefferson's significant fear regarding government centered around the potential for monarchy. He was deeply concerned about the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler, reflecting his experiences with British rule and the lack of representation under a monarchy. Jefferson valued republicanism and democracy, advocating for a system of government that empowered the people rather than a monarch. His writings and political actions emphasized the importance of checks and balances to prevent any individual or group from gaining too much power, which he equated with tyranny. This fear was further rooted in Enlightenment ideals, which highlighted the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of individual rights and liberties. Jefferson's distrust of centralized authority influenced his policies and led him to support the expansion of democratic principles throughout the new nation.