Which of the following best defines the role of Congress according to the Democratic Republicans?

The role of Congress, according to the Democratic Republicans, is best defined as serving farming interests rather than promoting commerce. This perspective was heavily influenced by the party's historical roots, which emphasized agrarianism and the importance of an economy based on farming rather than industrialization. The Democratic Republicans, founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, advocated for policies that supported the rural population, small farmers, and the agrarian way of life.

The party believed that a nation of small, independent farmers would contribute to a stable democracy and prevent the concentration of wealth and power seen in more industrialized societies. Therefore, Congress would be tasked with creating laws and policies that protect and promote the interests of agricultural workers and farmers, recognizing their crucial role in the economy and society.

The other choices reflect priorities that do not align with the Democratic Republicans' views. For example, overseeing all branches of government equally or executing laws and upholding the judiciary are roles that encompass a broader governmental function rather than a specific focus on agrarian interests. The idea of creating policies favoring manufacturing and industry directly contradicts the Democratic Republicans’ emphasis on farming as the backbone of American society.