Which principle reflects Jefferson's beliefs about government?

The principle of limited government aligns closely with Thomas Jefferson's beliefs about the role of government in society. Jefferson was a proponent of individual liberties and believed that government should not have excessive power over its citizens. His philosophy emphasized that the government should exist primarily to serve its people, protecting their rights and freedoms rather than infringing upon them. This was reflected in his authorship of the Declaration of Independence, where he expressed the idea that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.

Jefferson advocated for a government that would be restrained in its powers, ensuring that individuals could exercise their freedoms without unwarranted interference. This approach was in stark contrast to views that favored a strong central authority or a monarchical system, which could threaten personal liberties. Jefferson's vision also included a focus on agrarianism, which emphasized the importance of rural, independent farmers as the backbone of American democracy, further underscoring his belief in a limited government that would support such citizens rather than dominate them.