Final answer:
The Democratic-Republicans thought government should be in the hands of average individuals, such as small farmers, focused on agricultural interests, and advocated for states' rights with a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Democratic-Republicans believed that government should be in the hands of average individuals, such as small farmers. They supported the idea that the spirit of true republicanism relied upon virtuous living for the common good, which was epitomized by the yeoman farmer. Jefferson and Madison, influential figures within the Democratic-Republican party, held a commitment to serving the interests of the ordinary citizen and maintaining an agricultural focus. They were staunchly against a strong central government, fearing it would become oppressive, and so advocated for states' rights with only foreign policy and trade being managed federally. Moreover, their interpretation of the Constitution was strict, aiming to limit the federal government's powers to ensure the protection of citizens' rights. They supported the notion that a literal interpretation would guard against the tyranny they equated with the monarchy and the aristocratic culture.