In its core ideals Jeffersonian democracy is characterized by the following key elements:

1. government is a necessary evil to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community;
2. democracy is the best form of government and representative government is the best form of democracy to prevent the tyranny by the polis;
3. checks and balances between the separate branches of government are the best way to prevent political tyranny by the executive or the representatives in a parliament;
4. a wall of separation between church and state is the best method to prevent religious tyranny;
5. the government must protect the freedoms of individuals;
6. freedom of speech and the press is the best method to prevent the tyranny of the people by their own government;
7. whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to the purposes of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety or of effectually securing against the danger of maladministration, a majority of the community has the indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public well-being.

Jeffersonian democracy is named for American statesman Thomas Jefferson.