Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson favored a citizen militia over a large standing army, reflecting his principles of a smaller government and concern for individual freedoms. He reduced the professional military but supported the training of officers at West Point to maintain a competent defense.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson believed that a militia should be a composition of citizens ready to defend the state, rather than a large standing professional army, which he considered an unnecessary expense and potential threat to freedom. This is reflected in his actions as he reduced the size of the army and navy during his presidency, relying instead on the militia for defense purposes. Standing armies were seen with suspicion, as they could be used to impose tyrannical control, while militias, being comprised of local citizens, would be defenders of their own rights and freedoms. Jefferson also acknowledged the importance of having well-trained officers, which led to the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1802 to ensure a pool of professional officers, despite his reductions to the general military force.In conclusion, Jefferson's approach to the militia was in line with his vision of a smaller government that would empower rather than constrain the people, exemplifying his core belief in maintaining minimal government interference in the lives of citizens while still ensuring a prepared defense through a citizen-based military force.