Jeffersonianism

noun

Jef·​fer·​so·​nian·​ism ˌje-fər-ˈsō-nē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Jeffersonianism (audio)
-nyə-
: the political principles and ideas held by or associated with Thomas Jefferson that center around a belief in states' rights, a strict interpretation of the federal constitution, confidence in the political capacity or wisdom of common people (see common entry 1 sense 4b), and an agrarian as opposed to an industrial or commercial economy compare hamiltonianism

Examples of Jeffersonianism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This Jeffersonianism on steroids was a last stand against industrial production as the core of the U.S. economy—and against the rise of cities as the center of American life. William A. Galston, WSJ, 13 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Jeffersonianism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jeffersonianism was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near Jeffersonianism

Cite this Entry

“Jeffersonianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jeffersonianism. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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