Which term describes a political philosophy emphasizing limited government, agrarian democracy, and civic virtue?

• A. Embargo Act
• B. Yeoman Farmer
• C. Louisiana Purchase
• D. Jeffersonian Thought

Answer: (D)

This question tests recognizing a political philosophy that centers on limiting the national government, promoting an agrarian democracy, and valuing civic virtue. Jeffersonian Thought is the term that captures this full set of ideas, as it’s the philosophy associated with Thomas Jefferson. It argues for a small federal government with limited powers, a strict reading of the Constitution, and a society built around independent, landowning farmers who participate actively in public life. Civic virtue—the idea that citizens should be educated, self-reliant, and attentive to the common good—is key to sustaining liberty under this view.

The Embargo Act is a specific policy, not a philosophy. The Louisiana Purchase is a land acquisition, also not a philosophy. The Yeoman Farmer describes the type of citizen ideal within this worldview, but it doesn’t name the governing approach itself. Jeffersonian Thought, by contrast, names the entire philosophy describing those beliefs.