- Jefferson believed that the government should be as small as possible and only do the things that states and individuals could not do for themselves.
- He cut the federal budget by 30%, reduced the number of federal employees by 30%, and lowered taxes.
Eliminating the Whiskey Excise Tax
- The whiskey excise tax was a tax on all whiskey produced in the United States. It was a very unpopular tax, especially among farmers who made their living by distilling whiskey.
- Jefferson believed that the tax was unfair and unnecessary, so he repealed it.
Reducing the public debt
- The United States had a large public debt after the Revolutionary War. Jefferson paid off the debt by selling public land and by reducing government spending.
Reorganizing the military
- Jefferson reorganized the military so that it was smaller and more efficient. He created a new Department of the Navy and established the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Establishing the federal court system
- Jefferson signed into law the Judiciary Act of 1801, which created the federal court system. The federal courts were responsible for interpreting the Constitution and the laws of the United States.