Although initially a Jeffersonian Republican who opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1803 and repeal of the Judiciary Act of 1801, Clay later favored James Monroe over James Madison in 1808, only reluctantly agreeing that Monroe should not formally run and risk splitting the party. Clay also became known for his devotion to states' rights and strict interpretation of the Constitution, which sometimes allied him with Jefferson's opponents such as John Randolph of Roanoke and John Taylor of Caroline.
Although initially a Jeffersonian Republican who opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1803 and the Judiciary Act of 1801, Clay later favored James Monroe over James Madison in 1808, only reluctantly agreeing that Monroe should not formally run to avoid splitting the party. He also became known for his strong support of states' rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution, which sometimes aligned him with opponents of Jefferson like John Randolph of Roanoke and John Taylor of Caroline.