Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson differed from George Washington in his political philosophy by opposing a strong central government. Jefferson's presidency was marked by policies that emphasized states' rights and minimized the power and size of the federal government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson differed significantly from George Washington in that he opposed a strong central government. While Washington's leadership indicated a tilt towards Federalist principles, with actions such as his response to the Whiskey Rebellion and encouragement of internal improvements, Jefferson's philosophy leaned towards a more decentralized governance structure, favoring the rights of states over the powers of the federal government. This was evident in his opposition to the Federalists' policies, such as the Alien and Sedition Acts, and in his actions as president where he advocated for limited government, reduced the size of the military, and eliminated internal taxes.