Democratic Republicans believed in state power over the federal government and the ability of states to ignore unjust laws. In the case of the Whiskey Rebellion, farmers rebelled against a tax on whiskey. They believed it was the right as citizens to refuse to pay a federal tax because they didn't believe in the tax and weren't fairly represented. The rebellion was met by federal troops and a statement of federal supremacy.
Democratic-Republicans formed under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson. The party had roots in the ideas of Anti-Federalists during the Constitutional Convention. The Democratic-Republicans believed the Constitution should be followed strictly and as stated. They also supported states rights over the federal government. In addition they opposed the National Bank and any institutions that gave the federal government power.
