What is the main characteristic of Thomas Jefferson's "Republican Vision"?

The main characteristic of Thomas Jefferson's "Republican Vision" is best encapsulated by a focus on agrarian interests. Jefferson believed that a nation of independent, land-owning farmers formed the backbone of a healthy republic. He viewed agriculture as a virtue and distrusted the concentrated power of urban commercial interests, which he believed could lead to inequality and corruption. His vision was rooted in a deep commitment to individual liberty and civic virtue, which he felt could flourish in a society where people owned land and engaged directly in farming, thus ensuring their autonomy and dedication to the public good.

Jefferson's support for states' rights, which is often emphasized in discussions about his vision, was interconnected with his agrarian ideals, as he believed smaller, decentralized government structures could better represent the interests of agrarian citizens. However, the distinct focus on agriculture as the foundation for economic and social life marks the heart of his vision. In contrast, while he did advocate for a limited national government, he was deeply suspicious of strong central authority, viewing it as a potential threat to personal freedom and local governance.