Preview

Thomas Jefferson: Individual Liberty And Social Reform

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
495 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Thomas Jefferson: Individual Liberty And Social Reform
Thomas Jefferson was all about reform. He believed that this country was in need of a great change and knew how he could make a difference. Jefferson was forced to mature early leaving him with no choice but to run his household at a very young age. He was left to run 10,000 acres of land and one to two hundred slaves. Jefferson was a kind person, he was even kind to his slaves; he learned a lot from his responsibilities and even from his slaves. The knowledge he gained he applied it later on into his career. Thomas Jefferson is known to be one of the greatest philosophers because of his ambition and his great ideas which he had no shame expressing with the public. Thomas Jefferson was full of enlightening ideas, he wanted to use those ideas to reform our country politically economically and socially. He stood out most with his political reform, he encouraged distribution of land in order to gain human liberty. He also reformed their respective state systems of education. He believed that their citizens had the right and should be educated no matter their circumstances or their status in …show more content…
Jefferson believed in minimal federal control, he felt that individual states should do as they please on their own territory. He also felt that centralized power was unnecessary, he ended up supporting the cause because he realized he could fix the issue from the inside. Thomas Jefferson's differences were bound to start a revolution, i say this because he was going against all the top notches in congress and he was basically contradicting everything they stood for. As stated in The American Political Tradition “ It would be useful in moderating the warmer spirits and promoting a wholesome and practicable reformation only”, Hofstadter tries to portray Thomas Jefferson’s eagerness for reform and how he meant what he said about keeping it
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Analyze the contributions of TWO of the following in helping establish a stable governement after adoption of the constitution john adams, thomas jefferson, george washington
    • 563 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Analyze the contributions of TWO of the following in helping establish a stable governement after adoption of the constitution john adams, thomas jefferson, george washington

    Thomas Jefferson's presidency started with the Revolution of 1800, the first time political parties sent candidates and campaigned. He managed to stabilize and empower the people of the United States during his two terms as president. One of his major accomplishments was cleared the Revolutionary debt the US incurred. He did this by putting his frugal/simple economic plan into effect, reducing the navy to several ships and the army down to small militias. This was one of his 3 main goals at the start of his presidency that he accomplished. He also spent $15 million in acquiring the Louisiana Territory from a war-weary Napoleon Bonaparte. This doubled the size of the US Overnight and he went to work by sending expeditions westward and incorporating the people. This was important because previously, people had simply pushed past the boundary illegally or squatted, thus stabilizing the nation. Jefferson also nixed Adam's and Washington's monarchial lives by not using a horse-drawn carriage or being called "Majesty" and gave more power to the states. As a strict-constructionist, he believed all powers not given to the federal government belonged to the states. This was important because…

    • 563 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Ap Us History Dual Credit Debate Paper Jefferson's Greatness
    • 2317 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Ap Us History Dual Credit Debate Paper Jefferson's Greatness

    Thomas Jefferson was the principle leader in the American Revolution, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and a great third president of the United States of America. If one was to acknowledge and characterize a great president as an individual who defends the true and original principles of the federal constitution, and the economic and civil liberties for which Americans had fought in the revolution, then Thomas Jefferson should be regarded as one of the best presidents this nation has seen. Jefferson had a goal once in office, which “was to restore the republican experiment, to check the growth of government power, and to halt the decay of virtue that had set in under Federalist rule” and this mission was accomplished successfully, and in combination with his perspicacious decisions regarding domestic affairs, foreign policy, and our economy, Jefferson was able to embody one of the greatest presidents of our great nation.…

    • 2317 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Why Is Thomas Jefferson Considered A Strict Interpretation Of The Central Government
    • 811 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Why Is Thomas Jefferson Considered A Strict Interpretation Of The Central Government

    Many historians regard Thomas Jefferson as one of the most influential men of the post-revolutionary period. Jefferson is perhaps most well known for his ideas regarding the new American governmental system. Many supporters backed Jefferson in his ideals and opinions regarding the central government during his delegate years, and even into his presidency. In 1796, Jefferson became the President of the U.S. Some believe that Thomas Jefferson was a hypocrite in that his ideals changed after being elected President. After being elected to the White House in 1796, Thomas Jefferson was able to maintain his earlier philosophy on government by upholding his beliefs on taxation power, states’ rights and, on the contrary, foreign affairs.…

    • 811 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Apush-Revolution of 1800
    • 311 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Apush-Revolution of 1800

    Politically, Jefferson believed in strict interpretation of the Constitution unlike his predecessors. He bought the Louisiana Purchase which the Constitution did not fully allow him to do. Under Federalist views, the economy of the United States was looking to be increasingly more urban with a shift from agricultural ways. With Thomas Jefferson being elected into office, he hoped that America would maintain a strict agrarian economy with crops being the top export to foreign countries. He wanted Americans to stay a primarily rural-living nation with farming the main aspect of the economy.…

    • 311 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    "We are all Republicans; we are all Federalists." -Thomas Jefferson. Assess this statement (AP question)
    • 670 Words
    • 2 Pages

    "We are all Republicans; we are all Federalists." -Thomas Jefferson. Assess this statement (AP question)

    During his first years as president, Jefferson really lived up to his word concerning his domestic policies. Jefferson decided to keep Hamilton's National Bank and debt repayment plan even though he was completely against it. He lowered the national debt from 83 million to 57 million. While in office he also reduced the size of the military. Jefferson was a very intelligent individual and was very wise in his actions. He repealed the Whiskey Tax, which was imposed by the Federalist, but instead of repealing the rest of the acts Adams instated such as the Alien and Sedition Acts, he let them expire. Had he repealed them it probably would have upset the Federalists. As his presidency continued he stuck to his plan, not wavering. For example, when Jefferson was first elected he was not willing to compromise his principals as far as the government power was concerned. He believed that there should be a limit in the central government. This changed after the Louisiana Purchase. By doubling the size of the US with one treaty, he increased the power of the president and central government.…

    • 670 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Interpretation of the Constitution According to the Republican Party
    • 1140 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Interpretation of the Constitution According to the Republican Party

    Thomas Jefferson and his Republican followers envisioned a society in vivid contrast to that of the Federalists. They dreamt of a nation of independent farmers living under a central government that exercised a…

    • 1140 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Racial Views of Thomas Jefferson
    • 3223 Words
    • 13 Pages

    Racial Views of Thomas Jefferson

    Before Thomas Jefferson was known as the third president of the United States he was elected as the first secretary of state by George Washington. He was the second youngest member delegate in the second continental congress at Philadelphia in which he was selected for drafting the Declaration of independence which is a part of our nation’s constitution to which he acquires a lot of his fame. He was also very well known for the three-fifths comprise which is one of the many analytical highlights discussed in the Negro President by Gary Wills. His personal life also became a scandal and his views on slavery which John C. Miller elaborates on events in his life in the book Wolf By The Ears: Thomas Jefferson and Slavery. However his ultimate legacy was the founding of the University of Virginia.…

    • 3223 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Best Vision Of The Future: Jefferson Vs. Hamilton
    • 616 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Best Vision Of The Future: Jefferson Vs. Hamilton

    Thomas Jefferson through his life, his experiences have changed his view to suit what he believes is best for America. Jefferson grew up in a wealthy family and grew with a positive view of the people. He served as a Virginia delegate and as a Virginia state legislature member. Then, he was an author of the Declaration of Independence to create the new nation of America. Later, he became part of Washington’s cabinet as Secretary of State and served as a U.S. Minister to France. Through his political background, he grew skills to help hone his vision on how…

    • 616 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Essay Apush Dbq Thomas Jefferson
    • 865 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Essay Apush Dbq Thomas Jefferson

    In order to get rid of the Alien and Sedition Acts that, pro federalist, John Adams created, Jefferson developed these resolutions to restore self-government to each state itself. The Compact Theory was the main basis for the Kentucky Resolutions. This theory stated that the individual states were the final judge of the federal governments actions. In Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address, held in Washington D.C (Doc H), he stated, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” This shows that no matter what your opinion was, America was still one country with the same principles. Jefferson knew that despite the Federalist opinions, everyone possesses the same equal rights. Not only was he able to change the presidency from a strong Federalist party to a Republic-Democratic party, he also demonstrated new ways to act as president. For example, instead of bowing to guests he introduced the custom of shaking hands with one another. He placed his guests at a round table to show that there was no seat more important than the other. Also, instead of addressing Congress in person, he simply sent a message. He strived to get as far away from acting like a monarch as…

    • 865 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Thomas Jefferson's Liberty To Learn
    • 229 Words
    • 1 Page

    Thomas Jefferson's Liberty To Learn

    Public Education was an important fundamental to Thomas Jefferson. In the Liberty to Learn, there is an explanation on how public education was one of his main priorities, and even though there were a few obstacles along the way he did not lose interest in his pursuit to establish public education. During this time, Americans were going through something in where they were getting their liberty and property violated by King George III. Thomas Jefferson believed that Americans were being ignorant but due to the lack of education and that was why they did not try to fight for their rights. Thomas Jefferson tried to pass a bill in where it had three different elements and education would be free. It was not passed but he was very proud of it.…

    • 229 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Dbq Essay On Thomas Jefferson
    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Dbq Essay On Thomas Jefferson

    Political disagreement has been apart of our government since the beginning. Thomas Jefferson has had an impact on these disagreements. Some people may think that Jefferson has set a bad example for future politicians, but I disagree. I think that Thomas Jefferson and his political colleagues set a good example for future politicians. He is polite, sincere, and sharp-witted.…

    • 620 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Thomas Jefferson First President Essay
    • 517 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Thomas Jefferson First President Essay

    To conclude, Jefferson is my favorite president because he wanted to change the overpowered government and did, he manipulated people with his power by not showing it, and maturely managed the press’ false allegations toward him. Although he had his ups and down, his achievements are greatly acknowledge and used today. His personality is a very unique and appealing personality because of his actions with the president’s…

    • 517 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Why Is Thomas Jefferson Wrong
    • 540 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Why Is Thomas Jefferson Wrong

    Thomas Jefferson is a very well known man, who is honored for his efforts to help better our country. He was the main author of the U.S. Constitution, which is quite possibly one of the most important documents in U.S. history. It is the backbone of our government and the rights that are bestowed on us. The fact that Thomas Jefferson authored the constitution based on what he and the other authors believed were the right and most fair constitutional values of our country, would make one expect that his actions would prove his dedication to the constitution, but that is not completely true. Jefferson could even be described in modern diction to be “wishy washy.” This means he said one thing, yet did another.…

    • 540 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Thomas Jefferson And The Meanings Of Liberty Analysis
    • 163 Words
    • 1 Page

    Thomas Jefferson And The Meanings Of Liberty Analysis

    In “Thomas Jefferson and the Meanings of Liberty” by Douglas L. Wilson, there is a recurring topic of presentism. The question of whether or not presentism should be applied is left ambiguous to the reader. While some may say that presentism should not be applied because history should remain the same, presentism helps history stay relevant and interesting. One instance is when Wilson was questioning whether or not historical figures should be remembered for the best or worst accomplishments. The answer to that question depends on the reader and whether or not they are practicing presentism. An example to further demonstrate the use of presentism, Jefferson’s liaison with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. When applying presentism some people…

    • 163 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Thomas Jefferson Against Slavery
    • 378 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Thomas Jefferson Against Slavery

    Thomas Jefferson was a man who was against slavery and believed in freedom. His thoughts of slavery was it was a destruction to America . Jefferson also saw slavery as an abolishment of the right to personal liberty. During the time of the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson was very involved in the legislation in hopes it would result in the abolition of slavery. As Jefferson began to abolition slavery, the population of slaves began to rise. Instead slavery became more widespread and profitable.…

    • 378 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics