Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson's administration followed a policy of strict interpretation of the Constitution, focusing on supporting farmers over industry and advocating for a limited federal government to ensure the freedom of yeoman farmers and ordinary citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson's administration adopted policies that were characterized by a strict interpretation of the Constitution and a clear support for agricultural interests and values. Jefferson championed a smaller federal government with limited interference in citizens' lives, favoring states' rights and opposing the Federalist vision of a strong centralized government. His policies included cutting back on the size of the army and navy, eliminating internal taxes, and promoting agriculture by selling western public lands. Jefferson's philosophy was that government should work to support the interests of ordinary citizens, the majority, which he saw as the foundation for freedom and democracy, best represented by the yeoman farmers.
In addition to internal reforms, Jefferson oversaw the expansion of the country through the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the nation, and sponsored the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore these vast new territories. Despite his aversion to a large military and foreign entanglements, he led the U.S. into the Barbary Wars to fight against pirate attacks, which were impeding American trade in the Mediterranean.