Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson reversed many Federalist policies by promoting agriculture, reducing the military, eliminating internal taxes, and opposing the Alien and Sedition Acts, emphasizing a vision for a limited federal government and more freedom for the citizenry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson's Reversal of Federalist Policies
Thomas Jefferson, as the president, was known for his vision of a limited Federal government - a stance that led him to reverse several Federalist policies. During his presidency, Jefferson made significant changes which included promoting agriculture over urban commercial development, reducing internal taxes, and shrinking the military. His opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts resulted in pardoning those arrested under them and supporting the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions which argued for states' rights to judge the constitutionality of congressional acts. Jefferson's refusal to deliver commissions to Federalist justices appointed by preceding President John Adams also showed his intent to steer away from Federalist precedence.
Jefferson's legacy was an 'empire of liberty,' which emphasized a rural republic over the Federalists' vision of a strong, active federal government. His presidency marked a clear shift from the previous Federalist policies to those that favored a smaller government, less intervention in citizens' lives, fiscal austerity, and more freedom for the people.