Define “Jeffersonian conservative” for us?
Jefferson was the author of The Declaration of Independence and a very intelligent Founding Father. He was the leader who repeatedly argued for a small federal government that had limited power over the states. “A government that governs least, governs best.” He opposed others, led by Hamilton, who wanted a strong federal government, and for the most part, he got his way. His concern, that over time, the federal government would cipher power from the states has been proven to be justified. But, had it not been for Jefferson’s influence with Madison, the Constitution probably wouldn’t have placed limited on the federal government’s power (e.g. The Bill of Rights, especially the 10th Amendment.