Jeffersonian democracy
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In its core ideals Jeffersonian democracy is characterized by the following key elements:
- government is a necessary evil to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community;
- democracy is the best form of government and representative government is the best form of democracy to prevent the tyranny by the polis;
- checks and balances between the separate branches of government are the best way to prevent political tyranny by the executive or the representatives in a legislature;
- a wall of separation between church and state is the best method to prevent religious tyranny;
- the government must protect the freedoms of individuals;
- freedom of speech and the press is the best method to prevent the tyranny of the people by their own government;
- whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to the purposes of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety or of effectually securing against the danger of maladministration, a majority of the community has the indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public well-being.
Jeffersonian democracy is named for American statesman Thomas Jefferson. Template:US-hist-stub