Final answer:
The Democratic-Republicans believed in strict construction of the Constitution, a limited federal government, and reserved most powers for the states. They valued rural, agricultural interests, distrusted centralized power, and preferred the central government to only handle foreign policy and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
Democratic-Republicans' Views on National Government Powers
The Democratic-Republicans, led by figures such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, held a distinct view on the powers of the national government. They advocated for a limited federal government, preferring that most powers be reserved for the states. They were proponents of strict construction of the Constitution, which meant they interpreted the Constitution literally to restrict the scope of federal authority. This stance was evident in their opposition to the Federalists' vision of a more expansive role for the national government, as seen in debates over Hamilton's financial program and federally funded internal improvements.
Democratic-Republicans spoke for agricultural interests and values, distrusted centralized power, and believed freedom and democracy thrived in a rural society of yeoman farmers. They contended that the central government should handle foreign policy and trade, but all other matters should be delegated to the individual states. Their view of the 'necessary and proper' clause of the Constitution was that it should be applied narrowly, to prevent the federal government from overreaching and encroaching on individual liberties and states' rights.