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'''John Randolph of Roanoke''' (1773-1833) was a Virginia orator and powerful [[Democratic-Republican Party]] member of the House of Representatives and the Senate. A leader of the "[[Quids]]" or '''"Old Republicans,"''', he was deeply committed to [[republicanism]] and was an articulate advocate of [[Jeffersonian Democracy]], although he broke with Jefferson because he feared Jefferson had abandoned true republicanism.
'''John Randolph of Roanoke''' (1773-1833) was a Virginia orator and powerful [[Democratic-Republican Party]] member of the House of Representatives and the Senate. A leader of the "[[Quids]]" or '''"Old Republicans,"''', he was deeply committed to [[republicanism]] and was an articulate advocate of [[Jeffersonian Democracy]], although he broke with Jefferson because he feared Jefferson had abandoned true republicanism.
==Quids==
When Randolph broke with Jefferson and [[James Madison]] in 1806, his Congressional faction was called "quids." Randolph was the leader of the "Old Republican" faction that insisted on strict adherence to the Constitution and opposed any innovations. He made no effort to align with either quid faction in the states and made no effort to build a third party at the federal level. Randolph supported [[James Monroe]] against Madison during the runup to the presidential election of 1808, but the state quids supported Madison. They were led by Randolph, who had started as Jefferson's leader in the House and became his bitterest enemy. Randolph denounced the Yazoo Purchase compromise of 1804 as totally corrupt. After Randolph failed in the impeachment of a Supreme Court justice in 1805, he became embittered with Jefferson and Madison, complaining, "Everything and everybody seem to be jumbled out of place, except a few men who are steeped in supine indifference, whilst meddling fools and designing knaves are governing the country."<ref>Risjord p. 42</ref> He refused to help fund Jefferson's secret purchase of [[Florida]] from Spain. Increasingly, Randolph felt that Jefferson was adopting Federalist policies and betraying the true party spirit. He wrote to an ally that "the Administration....favors federal principles, and, with the exception of a few great rival characters, federal men.... The old Republican party is already ruined, past redemption. New men and new maxims are the order of the day." <ref>Risjord 47</ref>
==Conservatism==
Randolph's conservative stance, displayed in his arguments against debt and for the rights of the landed gentry, may be attributed to his ties to his family estate and to his adoption of the elitist values of Southside, Virginia, where he was raised. Randolph opposed the War of 1812 and the Missouri Compromise and was active in debates about tariffs, manufacturing, and currency. However, he had mixed feelings about slavery. While opposed to the slave trade abroad and in the capital, Randolph remained dependent on slaves to work his land.
Randolph's conservative stance, displayed in his arguments against debt and for the rights of the landed gentry, may be attributed to his ties to his family estate and to his adoption of the elitist values of Southside, Virginia, where he was raised. Randolph opposed the War of 1812 and the Missouri Compromise and was active in debates about tariffs, manufacturing, and currency. However, he had mixed feelings about slavery. While opposed to the slave trade abroad and in the capital, Randolph remained dependent on slaves to work his land.
==Popularity then and now==
Randolph won 14 Virginia congressional races, 1799-1833 because he was always available and was the most articulate representative of old Republican values, which he complained Jefferson had abandoned. Voters had esteem for his eminent family, and enjoyed both his fiery character, and his lively electioneering methods. Randolph appealed directly to freeholders, using entertaining and enlightening oratory, socialability, and community of interest, particularly in agriculture, that led to an enduring voter attachment to him, and that discounted serious personal deficiencies. His defense of limited government appeals to 21st century conservatives, especially [[Russell Kirk]] and [[Richard Weaver]].
Randolph won 14 Virginia congressional races, 1799-1833 because he was always available and was the most articulate representative of old Republican values, which he complained Jefferson had abandoned. Voters had esteem for his eminent family, and enjoyed both his fiery character, and his lively electioneering methods. Randolph appealed directly to freeholders, using entertaining and enlightening oratory, socialability, and community of interest, particularly in agriculture, that led to an enduring voter attachment to him, and that discounted serious personal deficiencies. His defense of limited government appeals to 21st century conservatives, especially [[Russell Kirk]] and [[Richard Weaver]].
==See also==
==See also==
* Kirk, Russell. ''John Randolph of Roanoke: A Study in American
* Kirk, Russell. ''John Randolph of Roanoke: A Study in American
Politics.'' (3rd ed., 1978). 588 pp.
Politics.'' (3rd ed., 1978). 588 pp.
* Risjord, Norman K. ''The Old Republicans: Southern Conservatism in the Age of Jefferson'' (1965) the standard history of the Randolph faction. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-old-republicans-southern-conservatism-in-the-age-of-jefferson-by-norman-k-risjord.jsp online edition]
* Weaver, Richard M. "Two Types Of American Individualism." ''Modern Age'' 1963 7(2): 119-134. 0026-7457
* Weaver, Richard M. "Two Types Of American Individualism." ''Modern Age'' 1963 7(2): 119-134. 0026-7457