1. Anti-Federalism: Jefferson was a prominent member of the Anti-Federalist movement, which opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution due to concerns about its potential for centralized power and encroachment on individual and state rights. He argued for a more decentralized and limited federal government.
2. Strict Interpretation: Jefferson advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, whereby the powers granted to the federal government should be strictly confined to those explicitly enumerated in the document, hence limiting its scope and power.
3. Support for States' Rights: Jefferson championed states' rights and autonomy. He believed that states should retain significant powers and decision-making authority, and he opposed the idea of a strong federal government that could potentially usurp these rights.
4. Fear of Tyranny: Jefferson held a deeply held belief in the dangers of political power becoming concentrated and potentially tyrannical. He saw a weak central government as a safeguard against the abuse of power and as a way to ensure that power remained dispersed among the people and state governments.
5. Local Control and Civic Virtue: Jefferson believed in the importance of local control and civic virtue, whereby individuals actively participate in their communities and make decisions at the local level. He viewed a strong central government as potentially distant from the needs and interests of the people and less responsive to local concerns.
6. Republicanism: Jefferson was a strong advocate of republican principles, emphasizing the importance of public service, civic participation, and the rule of law. He saw a weak central government as consistent with these principles by limiting the potential concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or institutions.
7. Pragmatism: Jefferson recognized the practical challenges of governing a vast and diverse nation, and he believed that a weak central government would be more efficient in terms of decision-making and better equipped to address the varying needs of different regions.
8. Checks and Balances: Jefferson supported the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution, whereby different branches of government limit and balance each other's powers. He saw this as a means of preventing the domination of any single branch and thus preserving a weak central government.