Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson's presidency was characterized by moderation in the administration of public policy, focusing on reducing federal government size and power, supporting agrarian values, and promoting states' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson's presidency is best characterized by c. moderation in the administration of public policy. Jefferson envisioned a Republic centered around agrarian values, promoting agriculture rather than urban commercial development. His efforts were marked by reducing the federal government's size and power and emphasizing states' rights, contrasting with the Federalist Party's previous policies. Jefferson's administration pursued fiscal responsibility, cutting down internal taxes and the military budget, yet he maintained a balance by understanding the necessity of action as illustrated by the conflict with the Barbary States.
Jefferson's leadership style did not align with maintaining strict Republican Party principles (option a) or using patronage power for ruthless appointments (option d). Instead, his approach differed significantly from the more formal protocols of Washington's presidency (option b). Jefferson believed in a government that worked in favor of the common man, particularly the rural farmer, and his policies were aimed at enhancing the liberty and self-reliance of the American people while reducing the scope of federal power.