Thomas Jefferson -English Honours 12 Essay, Research Paper

Thomas Jefferson ( 1743-1826 )

Thomas Jefferson was the writer of the Declaration of Independence,

a principle leader in the American Revolution, and the 3rd president of the

United States of America. Jefferson was besides regarded as a great mind and

diplomat, and was a celebrated subscriber to the foundation of the state.

Jefferson was good educated, an active committeeman, a adept

draughtsman and had a broad scope of cognition of English history and political

doctrine. His wisdom in assorted countries helped him to add substance to his

beliefs, which other philosophers theory & # 8217 ; s lacked. Jefferson was among the

most superb American advocates of the Enlightenment ; the motion of

the 18th century which emphasized the possibilities of human ground.

Jefferson had the motive and the chance to use Enlightenment

political doctrine to the responsibility of nation-building.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted chiefly by Jefferson, is

the papers in which American citizens proclaimed their freedom from the

British Rule. The Declaration & # 8217 ; s expressive enunciation and political importance,

rank it as one of the greatest historical paperss produced. Jefferson sought

to reform society, in footings of the doctrine of the Enlightenment and of

republican authorities. He strongly believed in the, & # 8220 ; saving of the

general authorities in it & # 8217 ; s whole constitutional energy, as the sheet ground tackle of

our peace at place and safety abroad & # 8221 ; ( Declaration of Independence ) . He

emphasized that with a strong authorities, which supported the natural

rights of the American citizens and a united state, society would be

preserved every bit good. The content of the Declaration of Independence greatly

impacted the lives of American citizens and changed the manner society

idea.

In the first subdivisions of the Declaration of Independence, & # 8220 ; Life, autonomy

and the chase of felicity & # 8221 ; , are regarded as the basic rules in a free

state. Jefferson emphasized his belief that the intent of the authorities

is to support, set up and protect the natural rights of society. The

authorities, in Jefferson & # 8217 ; s sentiment, should advance the felicity and

freedom of the American citizens. Jefferson held the position that, & # 8221 ; The equal

rights of work forces, and the felicity of every person, are now acknowledged

to be the lone legitimate objects of authorities & # 8221 ; . The chief point of the

Declaration of Independence, was to warrant self-government and to back up

the American citizen & # 8217 ; s right to exert self-determination, separately, and as

a state.

During the radical epoch, Jefferson studied Enlightenment

doctrine, which inspired him to back up the Patriots. One of his most celebrated

parts to their cause was an highly effectual booklet, & # 8220 ; A

Drumhead View of

Rights of British America” ( 1774 ) . in this he emphasized

the natural rights of the people and denied parliamentary authorization over the

settlements. He believed that the United States had no nexus with Britain, other

than the King. After, & # 8220 ; A Summary View of the Rights of British America & # 8221 ; ,

was published, Jefferson & # 8217 ; s writing became well-known, and he came to be

acknowledged as a successful political theoretician.

Popular sovereignty, self-government and democracy were regarded as

highly of import, by Jefferson. He believed that with those facets the

people would guarantee that the authorities would remain on the right path. It besides

meant that the authorities would be antiphonal to the will of the people.

Jefferson was of the sentiment that, & # 8221 ; A representative authorities is one in

which the will of the people is an effectual ingredient & # 8221 ; ( Thomas Jefferson to

Benjamin Austin, 1816 ) . Jefferson believed that the authorities in a free

society is non any different from the citizens. Under American self-

authorities, the citizen, himself, is portion of the authorities. Jefferson defined

self-determination as one in which, & # 8220 ; every member composing it, has a voice & # 8221 ; .

He knew that if each citizen held the right of self-determination, so a united

state posses the same right. As Jefferson pointed out, & # 8220 ; What is true of

every member in society, separately, is true of them all jointly ; since

the rights of the whole can be no more than the amount of the rights of the

persons & # 8221 ; ( Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1789 )

It was believed by Jefferson that by puting power in the custodies of the

people who are concerned for the rights and lives of society, the authorities

becomes the ultimate protection for the autonomy of the people. Jefferson & # 8217 ; s chief

desire was to set up autonomy. He wanted the authorities to travel beyond

mearly protecting single right, but to go a representative forepart for

the United States. Jefferson stated that the rule intent of the

authorities was, & # 8220 ; to inform the heads of the people, and to follow their will & # 8221 ;

( Thomas Jefferson to C.F. Dumas, 1787 ) .

Thomas Jefferson died at Monticello, Virginia, on July 4, 1826, on the

50th day of remembrance of the Declaration of Independence. He was an

Americain Revolutionary leader and an priceless contributer to constructing the

foundation for the United States of America. His primary committments to

autonomy, democracy and the formation of self-goveremnt were accomplished.

He succeeded his purpose, which was to assist establish a state in which autonomy

was strongly established. Jefferson brought America beyond the crude

right to belongings, to the chase of felicity. The Americain goverment ne’er

rather achieved the vision which Jefferson had for it, nevertheless, even in it & # 8217 ; s

limited achievement, it continues to hold much of the spirit and kernel

which Jefferson inspired.