Democratic-Republicans

Definition

The Democratic-Republicans were one of two main political parties during America's First Party System (1792-1824). They favored states' rights, an agrarian economy, and diplomatic alignment with France.

Analogy

Picture them as coaches who believe in giving more power to individual players (states' rights), sticking to traditional training methods (agrarian economy), and learning from innovative teams (France).

Related terms

Thomas Jefferson: A founding father who led the Democratic-Republican party and served as the third President of the United States.

Louisiana Purchase: An 1803 land deal between the U.S. and France, championed by Thomas Jefferson, which doubled the size of the U.S.

Embargo Act of 1807: Legislation passed under Jefferson's presidency that halted all foreign trade. This act reflected Democratic-Republican ideals but proved economically disastrous.