Nonsense.
there was more to jefferson than a few half understood quotes (always taken out of context, I might add) that conservatives love to trot out when it serves their purpose.
jefferson was easily the most distasteful, most scheming, and most unreliable of all the founding fathers that didn’t shoot another founding father in a duel.
Interesting to think that Jefferson and Lincoln were alive at the same time, Lincoln and Taft were alive at the same time, and Taft and George H.W. Bush were alive at the same time, and Bush is still kicking. Just two lifetimes separate Bush from Jefferson.
That’s right. Jefferson was an `anti-federalist’ while Lincoln was definitely not. Abe was a former Whig who wound up in the new Republican party following the Democratic victory in the Missouri Compromise and the demise of the Whigs.
We should be seeing something similar happening in the next few years.
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h374.html
This site is a pain in the a** so here’s an excerpt.
Anti-Federalists
The Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the Constitution and were typified by:
Ratification sentiments map
A desire to establish a weak central government (as had been created by the Articles of Confederation)
A corresponding desire for strong state governments
The support of many small farmers and small landowners
The support of debtor elements who felt that strong state legislatures were more sympathetic to them than a strong central government.
A series of articles appeared in the Poughkeepsie Country Journal from November, 1787, through January, 1788, usually titled Letters from the Federal Farmer. Although unsigned, it is generally believe that they were written by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. This series of essays was probably the most widely known expression of anti-federalist views. The first letter ends:
The first interesting question, therefore suggested, is, how far the states can be consolidated into one entire government on free principles. In considering this question extensive objects are to be taken into view, and important changes in the forms of government to be carefully attended to in all their consequences. The happiness of the people at large must be the great object with every honest statesman, and he will direct every movement to this point. If we are so situated as a people, as not to be able to enjoy equal happiness and advantages under one government, the consolidation of the states cannot be admitted.
***Anti-Federalists were concerned that the constitution did not equally divide power among the three branches of government. They also worried about giving the federal government the power to regulate commerce.***