Jefferson was the leader of the Democratic Republicans in the early 1800s. The Democratic Repulicans held views that were opposite of their rivals the Federalists. Below is a chart that compares the two parties. Download the video below for a more detailed explanation of the differing views on government between the Federalists and Democratic Republicans. While Jefferson expressed his political views mainly through writing, his actions provide evidence for his theories. The question at handnd is To what extent did Thomas Jefferson live up to his Democratic-Republican Ideals?