America’s Founding Philosopher Thomas Jefferson America’s Founding Philosopher

“I cannot live without books.” Jefferson’s Words “The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” “I cannot live without books.” “Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.”

Monticello

Jefferson’s Epitaph Here was buried Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of Independence of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia “because of these, as testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered”

Jefferson’s Declaration “…not to find new principles or new arguments never before thought of; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.” -1825

Father of Our Religious Freedom “No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, whatsoever, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matter of religion.” -A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom (Virginia Legislature)

University of Virginia

Republican Agrarianism Thomas Jefferson emerged as a strong president with strong party backing. Jefferson’s ideal was an agrarian republic of yeoman farmers with small family farms. Refer to photo of Thomas Jefferson, p. 244.

Jefferson’s Government Jefferson's promise to reduce the size of the federal government was fulfilled by: cutting internal taxes reducing the size of army, navy, and government staff. The unfinished state of the nation’s capital reflected the emphasis on local communities.

The Louisiana Purchase Napoleon’s acquisition of the Louisiana Territory threatened American access to the Mississippi River. Jefferson attempted to buy New Orleans, but accepted the French offer to buy the entire territory. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, fulfilling Jefferson's desire for continued expansion.