“I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground: That all powers not
delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are
reserved to the States or to the people’ (Ioth Amendment). To take a single step beyond the
poundaries thus specifically drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a
boundless field of power, no longer susceptible to any definition.”
-Thomas Jefferson
How did Thomas Jefferson view the idea of an expansion on federal power? Why?

Thomas Jefferson was a staunch advocate for limited federal government, believing that the powers of Congress should be strictly defined and confined to what was explicitly outlined in the Constitution. He feared that any expansion beyond these boundaries would lead to a slippery slope where the federal government could assume vast powers, undermining the principles of liberty and self-governance that the nation was founded upon. For Jefferson, this was a recipe for tyranny and the erosion of states’ rights, which he viewed as vital for protecting the freedoms of individuals.

Jefferson’s views can be seen in the context of his lifelong commitment to Enlightenment ideals and the belief in the importance of local governance. He championed the notion that states should have the authority to determine their own laws and policies as they were closer to the people, ensuring that citizens were more directly involved in the democratic process. This perspective not only reflected his political philosophy but also served as a warning to future generations about the potential dangers of centralizing power in the federal government.