In this cartoon, Thomas Jefferson holds a copy of the Constitution. An eagle tries to prevent him from throwing a fire labed DESPOTISM, another word for dictatorship. Who was most likely the creator of this cartoon?

Question

(4 points)
Responses

a Whig
a Whig

a slaveholder
a slaveholder

a Federalist
a Federalist

a smuggler

Answer 1

Based on the context of the cartoon, it most likely reflects the views of a Federalist. The Federalists were generally in favor of a strong central government and were opposed to what they viewed as the dangers of mob rule or despotism. The imagery of Thomas Jefferson, who was associated with the Democratic-Republican party (which was more favorable towards agrarian interests and states' rights) being stopped from throwing away the concept of despotic governance suggests a commentary on the potential risks of democracy without checks and balances. Therefore, the most appropriate answer would be:

a Federalist