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He was the third President of the United States (1801–1809), the principal author of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States for his promotion of the ideals of republicanism in the United States. Major events during his presidency include the Louisiana Purchase (1803) and the [[Lewis and Clark Expedition]] (1804–1806).

He was the third President of the United States (1801–1809), the principal author of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States for his promotion of the ideals of republicanism in the United States. Major events during his presidency include the Louisiana Purchase (1803) and the [[Lewis and Clark Expedition]] (1804–1806).

As a political philosopher, Jefferson was a man of the [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]] and knew many [[intellect|intellectual]] leaders in Britain and France. He idealized the independent [[yeoman farmer]] as exemplar of republican virtues, distrusted cities and financiers, and favored states' rights and a strictly limited federal government.  Jefferson supported the [[separation of church and state]] [http://www.usconstitution.net/jeffwall.html Jefferson's Wall of Separation Letter] and was the author of the [[Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom]] (1779, 1786). He was the eponym of Jeffersonian democracy and the co-founder and leader of the Democratic-Republican Party, which dominated Politics of the United States for a quarter-century. Jefferson served as the wartime Governor of Virginia (1779-1781), first United States Secretary of State (1789-1793) and second Vice President (1797-1801).

As a political philosopher, Jefferson was a man of the [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]] and knew many [[intellect|intellectual]] leaders in Britain and France. He idealized the independent [[yeoman farmer]] as exemplar of republican virtues, distrusted cities and financiers, and favored states' rights and a strictly limited federal government.  Jefferson supported the [[separation of church and state]] [https://www.usconstitution.net/jeffwall.html Jefferson's Wall of Separation Letter] and was the author of the [[Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom]] (1779, 1786). He was the eponym of Jeffersonian democracy and the co-founder and leader of the Democratic-Republican Party, which dominated Politics of the United States for a quarter-century. Jefferson served as the wartime Governor of Virginia (1779-1781), first United States Secretary of State (1789-1793) and second Vice President (1797-1801).

A [[polymath]], Jefferson achieved distinction as, among other things, a horticulturist, [[statesman]], [[architect]], [[archaeology|archaeologist]], [[paleontology|paleontologist]], [[author]], [[inventor]] and founder of the University of Virginia. When President John F. Kennedy welcomed forty-nine [[Nobel Prize]] winners to the White House in 1962 he said, "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent and of human knowledge that has ever been gathered together at the White House — with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

A [[polymath]], Jefferson achieved distinction as, among other things, a horticulturist, [[statesman]], [[architect]], [[archaeology|archaeologist]], [[paleontology|paleontologist]], [[author]], [[inventor]] and founder of the University of Virginia. When President John F. Kennedy welcomed forty-nine [[Nobel Prize]] winners to the White House in 1962 he said, "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent and of human knowledge that has ever been gathered together at the White House — with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

In 1752, Jefferson began attending a local school run by William Douglas, a Scottish minister. At the age of nine, Jefferson began studying [[Latin]], [[Greek]], and [[French]]. In 1757, when he was 14 years old, his father died. Jefferson inherited about 5,000 acres (20 km²) of land and dozens of slaves. He built his home there, which eventually became known as [[Monticello]].

In 1752, Jefferson began attending a local school run by William Douglas, a Scottish minister. At the age of nine, Jefferson began studying [[Latin]], [[Greek]], and [[French]]. In 1757, when he was 14 years old, his father died. Jefferson inherited about 5,000 acres (20 km²) of land and dozens of slaves. He built his home there, which eventually became known as [[Monticello]].

After his father's death, he was taught at the school of the learned minister James Maury from 1758 to 1760. [http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/mtjhtml/mtjtime1.html The Thomas Jefferson Papers Timeline: 1743–1827] The school was in Fredericksville Parish near Gordonsville, Virginia,  twelve miles (19 km) from Shadwell, and Jefferson boarded with Maury's family. There he received a [[Classics|classical education]] and studied [[history]] and science.

After his father's death, he was taught at the school of the learned minister James Maury from 1758 to 1760. [https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/mtjhtml/mtjtime1.html The Thomas Jefferson Papers Timeline: 1743–1827] The school was in Fredericksville Parish near Gordonsville, Virginia,  twelve miles (19 km) from Shadwell, and Jefferson boarded with Maury's family. There he received a [[Classics|classical education]] and studied [[history]] and science.

In 1760 Jefferson entered The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia at the age of 16; he studied there for two years, graduating with highest honors in 1762. At William & Mary, he enrolled in the [[philosophy]] school and studied [[mathematics]], [[metaphysics]], and philosophy under Professor William Small, who introduced the enthusiastic Jefferson to the writings of the [[British Empiricists]], including [[John Locke]], [[Francis Bacon]], and [[Isaac Newton]] (Jefferson called them the "three greatest men the world had ever produced").  He also perfected his French, carried his Greek grammar book wherever he went, practiced the violin, and read [[Tacitus]] and [[Homer]]. A keen and diligent student, Jefferson displayed an avid curiosity in all fields and, according to the family tradition, frequently studied fifteen hours a day. His closest college friend, John Page of Rosewell, reported that Jefferson "could tear himself away from his dearest friends to fly to his studies."

In 1760 Jefferson entered The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia at the age of 16; he studied there for two years, graduating with highest honors in 1762. At William & Mary, he enrolled in the [[philosophy]] school and studied [[mathematics]], [[metaphysics]], and philosophy under Professor William Small, who introduced the enthusiastic Jefferson to the writings of the [[British Empiricists]], including [[John Locke]], [[Francis Bacon]], and [[Isaac Newton]] (Jefferson called them the "three greatest men the world had ever produced").  He also perfected his French, carried his Greek grammar book wherever he went, practiced the violin, and read [[Tacitus]] and [[Homer]]. A keen and diligent student, Jefferson displayed an avid curiosity in all fields and, according to the family tradition, frequently studied fifteen hours a day. His closest college friend, John Page of Rosewell, reported that Jefferson "could tear himself away from his dearest friends to fly to his studies."

While in college, Jefferson was a member of a secret organization called the Flat Hat Club, now the namesake of the William & Mary student newspaper. He lodged and boarded at the College in the building known today as the Sir [[Christopher Wren]] Building, attending communal meals in the Great Hall, and morning and evening prayers in the Wren Chapel. Jefferson often attended the lavish parties of royal governor Francis Fauquier where he played his violin and developed an early love for wines.[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/books/chapters/1203-1st-hail.html]  After graduating in 1762 with highest honors, he studied law with George Wythe and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767.

While in college, Jefferson was a member of a secret organization called the Flat Hat Club, now the namesake of the William & Mary student newspaper. He lodged and boarded at the College in the building known today as the Sir [[Christopher Wren]] Building, attending communal meals in the Great Hall, and morning and evening prayers in the Wren Chapel. Jefferson often attended the lavish parties of royal governor Francis Fauquier where he played his violin and developed an early love for wines.[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/books/chapters/1203-1st-hail.html]  After graduating in 1762 with highest honors, he studied law with George Wythe and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767.

===Life as a lawyer===

===Life as a lawyer===

In September 1776, Jefferson returned to Virginia and was elected to the new Virginia House of Delegates. During his term in the House, Jefferson set out to reform and update Virginia's system of laws to reflect its new status as a democratic state. He drafted 126 bills in three years, including laws to abolish primogeniture, establish freedom of religion, and streamline the judicial system. In 1778, Jefferson's "Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge" led to several academic reforms at his ''alma mater'', including an elective system of study-the first in an American university.

In September 1776, Jefferson returned to Virginia and was elected to the new Virginia House of Delegates. During his term in the House, Jefferson set out to reform and update Virginia's system of laws to reflect its new status as a democratic state. He drafted 126 bills in three years, including laws to abolish primogeniture, establish freedom of religion, and streamline the judicial system. In 1778, Jefferson's "Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge" led to several academic reforms at his ''alma mater'', including an elective system of study-the first in an American university.

While in the state legislature Jefferson proposed a bill to eliminate all crimes capital punishment in Virginia except [[murder]] and [[treason]]. His effort to reform the [[death penalty]] law was defeated by just one vote,[http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?scid=15&did=410 Part I: History of the Death Penalty] and Virginia retained such crimes as [[rape]] as punishable to death until the 1960s.[http://users.bestweb.net/~rg/execution/VIRGINIA.htm]

While in the state legislature Jefferson proposed a bill to eliminate all crimes capital punishment in Virginia except [[murder]] and [[treason]]. His effort to reform the [[death penalty]] law was defeated by just one vote,[https://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?scid=15&did=410 Part I: History of the Death Penalty] and Virginia retained such crimes as [[rape]] as punishable to death until the 1960s.[https://users.bestweb.net/~rg/execution/VIRGINIA.htm]

===Governor of Virginia===

===Governor of Virginia===

After lengthy debate within the Federalist-controlled House, Hamilton convinced his party that Jefferson would be a lesser political evil than Burr and that such scandal within the electoral process would undermine the still-young regime. The issue was resolved by the House, on 17 February 1801 after thirty-six ballots, when Jefferson was elected President and Burr Vice President. Burr's refusal to remove himself from consideration created ill will with Jefferson, who dropped Burr from the ticket in 1804 after Burr killed Hamilton in a duel.

After lengthy debate within the Federalist-controlled House, Hamilton convinced his party that Jefferson would be a lesser political evil than Burr and that such scandal within the electoral process would undermine the still-young regime. The issue was resolved by the House, on 17 February 1801 after thirty-six ballots, when Jefferson was elected President and Burr Vice President. Burr's refusal to remove himself from consideration created ill will with Jefferson, who dropped Burr from the ticket in 1804 after Burr killed Hamilton in a duel.

After leaving the Presidency, Jefferson continued to be active in public affairs. He also became increasingly concerned with founding a new institution of higher learning, specifically one free of church influences where students could specialize in many new areas not offered at other universities. Jefferson believed educating people was a good way to establish an organized society, and also felt schools should be paid for by the general public, so less wealthy people could obtain student membership as well.[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff1370.htm Jefferson on Politics & Government: Publicly Supported Education] A letter to [[Joseph Priestley]], in January, 1800, indicated that he had been planning the University for decades before its establishment.

After leaving the Presidency, Jefferson continued to be active in public affairs. He also became increasingly concerned with founding a new institution of higher learning, specifically one free of church influences where students could specialize in many new areas not offered at other universities. Jefferson believed educating people was a good way to establish an organized society, and also felt schools should be paid for by the general public, so less wealthy people could obtain student membership as well.[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff1370.htm Jefferson on Politics & Government: Publicly Supported Education] A letter to [[Joseph Priestley]], in January, 1800, indicated that he had been planning the University for decades before its establishment.

His dream was realized in 1819 with the founding of the University of Virginia. Upon its opening in 1825, it was then the first university to offer a full slate of elective courses to its students. One of the largest construction projects to that time in [[North America]], it was notable for being centered about a library rather than a church. In fact, no campus chapel was included in his original plans. Until his death, Jefferson invited students and faculty of the school to his home; [[Edgar Allan Poe]] was among those students.

His dream was realized in 1819 with the founding of the University of Virginia. Upon its opening in 1825, it was then the first university to offer a full slate of elective courses to its students. One of the largest construction projects to that time in [[North America]], it was notable for being centered about a library rather than a church. In fact, no campus chapel was included in his original plans. Until his death, Jefferson invited students and faculty of the school to his home; [[Edgar Allan Poe]] was among those students.

==Jefferson's death==

==Jefferson's death==

Jefferson died on the [[Independence Day Fourth of July, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  He died a few hours before the death of John Adams, his compatriot in their quest for independence, then great political rival, and later friend and correspondent.  Adams is often rumored to have referenced Jefferson in his last words, unaware of his passing.[http://historynewsnetwork.org/articles/article.html?id=634 Jefferson Still Survives.]  

Jefferson died on the [[Independence Day Fourth of July, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  He died a few hours before the death of John Adams, his compatriot in their quest for independence, then great political rival, and later friend and correspondent.  Adams is often rumored to have referenced Jefferson in his last words, unaware of his passing.[https://historynewsnetwork.org/articles/article.html?id=634 Jefferson Still Survives.]  

Although he was born into one of the wealthiest families in the United States, Thomas Jefferson was deeply in debt when he died. His possessions were sold at auction. In 1831, Jefferson's 552 acres (223 hectares) were sold for $7,000 to James T. Barclay. Thomas Jefferson is buried on his Monticello estate, in Charlottesville, Virginia. In his will, he left Monticello to the United States to be used as a school for orphans of navy officers. His [[epitaph]], written by him with an insistence that only his words and "not a word more" be inscribed, reads:

Although he was born into one of the wealthiest families in the United States, Thomas Jefferson was deeply in debt when he died. His possessions were sold at auction. In 1831, Jefferson's 552 acres (223 hectares) were sold for $7,000 to James T. Barclay. Thomas Jefferson is buried on his Monticello estate, in Charlottesville, Virginia. In his will, he left Monticello to the United States to be used as a school for orphans of navy officers. His [[epitaph]], written by him with an insistence that only his words and "not a word more" be inscribed, reads:

==Appearance and temperament==

==Appearance and temperament==

Jefferson has been described by many people as a thin, tall man, who stood at approximately six feet and remarkably straight.[http://www.monticello.org/reports/people/descriptions.html Monticello Report: Physical Descriptions of Thomas Jefferson].  

Jefferson has been described by many people as a thin, tall man, who stood at approximately six feet and remarkably straight.[https://www.monticello.org/reports/people/descriptions.html Monticello Report: Physical Descriptions of Thomas Jefferson].  

"The Sage of Monticello" cultivated an image that earned him the other nickname, "Man of the People." He affected a popular air by greeting White House guests in homespun attire like a robe and slippers. Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison (Jefferson's secretary of state), and Jefferson's daughters relaxed White House protocol and turned formal state dinners into more casual and entertaining social events.[http://www.americanpresident.org/history/thomasjefferson/biography/FamilyLife.common.shtml 'Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)' at the University of Virginia] Although a foremost defender of a free press, Jefferson at times sparred with partisan newspapers and appealed to the people.[http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WWjefferson.htm Thomas Jefferson]

"The Sage of Monticello" cultivated an image that earned him the other nickname, "Man of the People." He affected a popular air by greeting White House guests in homespun attire like a robe and slippers. Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison (Jefferson's secretary of state), and Jefferson's daughters relaxed White House protocol and turned formal state dinners into more casual and entertaining social events.[https://www.americanpresident.org/history/thomasjefferson/biography/FamilyLife.common.shtml 'Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)' at the University of Virginia] Although a foremost defender of a free press, Jefferson at times sparred with partisan newspapers and appealed to the people.[https://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WWjefferson.htm Thomas Jefferson]

Jefferson's writings were utilitarian and evidenced great intellect, and he had an affinity for languages. He learned [[Gaelic]] in order to translate [[Ossian]], and sent to James Macpherson for the originals.

Jefferson's writings were utilitarian and evidenced great intellect, and he had an affinity for languages. He learned [[Gaelic]] in order to translate [[Ossian]], and sent to James Macpherson for the originals.

As President, he discontinued the practice of delivering the State of the Union Address in person, instead sending the address to Congress in writing (the practice was eventually revived by Woodrow Wilson; he gave only two public speeches during his Presidency. Jefferson had a [http://www.awesomestories.com/biography/thomas_jefferson/thomas_jefferson_ch1.htm] and preferred writing to public speaking partly because of this. He burned all of his letters between himself and his wife at her death, creating the portrait of a man who at times could be very private. Indeed, he preferred working in the privacy of his office than the public eye.[http://www.futurecasts.com/Ellis,%20Jefferson,%20American%20Sphinx.htm 'American Sphinx' by Joseph J. Ellis at Futurecasts.com]

As President, he discontinued the practice of delivering the State of the Union Address in person, instead sending the address to Congress in writing (the practice was eventually revived by Woodrow Wilson; he gave only two public speeches during his Presidency. Jefferson had a [https://www.awesomestories.com/biography/thomas_jefferson/thomas_jefferson_ch1.htm] and preferred writing to public speaking partly because of this. He burned all of his letters between himself and his wife at her death, creating the portrait of a man who at times could be very private. Indeed, he preferred working in the privacy of his office than the public eye.[https://www.futurecasts.com/Ellis,%20Jefferson,%20American%20Sphinx.htm 'American Sphinx' by Joseph J. Ellis at Futurecasts.com]

==Interests and activities==

==Interests and activities==

Jefferson was an avid wine lover and noted gourmet. During his years in France (1784–1789) he took extensive trips through French and other European wine regions and sent the best back home. He is noted for the bold pronouncement: "We could in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good." While there were extensive vineyards planted at Monticello, a significant portion were of the European wine grape and did not survive the many vine diseases native to the Americas.

Jefferson was an avid wine lover and noted gourmet. During his years in France (1784–1789) he took extensive trips through French and other European wine regions and sent the best back home. He is noted for the bold pronouncement: "We could in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good." While there were extensive vineyards planted at Monticello, a significant portion were of the European wine grape and did not survive the many vine diseases native to the Americas.

In 1801, he published [http://www.constitution.org/tj/tj-mpp.htm ''A Manual of Parliamentary Practice''] that is still in use. In 1812 Jefferson published a second edition.

In 1801, he published [https://www.constitution.org/tj/tj-mpp.htm ''A Manual of Parliamentary Practice''] that is still in use. In 1812 Jefferson published a second edition.

After the British burned Washington, D.C. and the [[Library of Congress]] in August 1814, Jefferson offered his own collection to the nation. In January 1815, Congress accepted his offer, appropriating $23,950 for his 6,487 books, and the foundation was laid for a great national library. Today, the Library of Congress' website for federal legislative information is named THOMAS, in honor of Jefferson. [http://thomas.loc.gov/ THOMAS] His two-volume 1764 edition of the [[Qur'an]] was used by Keith Ellison (politician) in 2007 for his swearing in to the United States House of Representatives|[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010300075.html]

After the British burned Washington, D.C. and the [[Library of Congress]] in August 1814, Jefferson offered his own collection to the nation. In January 1815, Congress accepted his offer, appropriating $23,950 for his 6,487 books, and the foundation was laid for a great national library. Today, the Library of Congress' website for federal legislative information is named THOMAS, in honor of Jefferson. [https://thomas.loc.gov/ THOMAS] His two-volume 1764 edition of the [[Qur'an]] was used by Keith Ellison (politician) in 2007 for his swearing in to the United States House of Representatives|[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010300075.html]

==Political philosophy==

==Political philosophy==

Jefferson's commitment to equality was expressed in his successful efforts to abolish primogeniture in Virginia, the rule by which the first born son inherited all the land.

Jefferson's commitment to equality was expressed in his successful efforts to abolish primogeniture in Virginia, the rule by which the first born son inherited all the land.

Jefferson believed that individuals have an innate sense of [[morality]] that prescribes right from wrong when dealing with other individuals that whether they choose to restrain themselves or not, they have an innate sense of the natural rights of others. He even believed that moral sense to be reliable enough that an [[anarchist]] society could function well, provided that it was reasonably small. On several occasions, he expressed admiration for [[tribal]], communal ways of living of [[Native American]]s:[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/JefVirg.html Notes on Virginia] In fact, Jefferson is sometimes seen as a [[philosophical anarchist]].

Jefferson believed that individuals have an innate sense of [[morality]] that prescribes right from wrong when dealing with other individuals that whether they choose to restrain themselves or not, they have an innate sense of the natural rights of others. He even believed that moral sense to be reliable enough that an [[anarchist]] society could function well, provided that it was reasonably small. On several occasions, he expressed admiration for [[tribal]], communal ways of living of [[Native American]]s:[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/JefVirg.html Notes on Virginia] In fact, Jefferson is sometimes seen as a [[philosophical anarchist]].

He said in a ''letter to Colonel Carrington'': "I am convinced that those societies (as the Indians) which live without government, enjoy in their general mass an infinitely greater degree of happiness than those who live under the European governments." However, Jefferson believed anarchism to be "inconsistent with any great degree of population."''[http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl53.htm Letter to James Madison] Hence, he did advocate government for the American expanse provided that it exists by "consent of the governed."

He said in a ''letter to Colonel Carrington'': "I am convinced that those societies (as the Indians) which live without government, enjoy in their general mass an infinitely greater degree of happiness than those who live under the European governments." However, Jefferson believed anarchism to be "inconsistent with any great degree of population."''[https://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl53.htm Letter to James Madison] Hence, he did advocate government for the American expanse provided that it exists by "consent of the governed."

In the Preamble to his original draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote:

In the Preamble to his original draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote:

''We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these ends, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles & organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.''[http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/declara/ruffdrft.html Professor Julian Boyd's reconstruction of Jefferson's "original Rough draft" of the Declaration of Independence]

''We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these ends, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles & organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.''[https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/declara/ruffdrft.html Professor Julian Boyd's reconstruction of Jefferson's "original Rough draft" of the Declaration of Independence]

Jefferson's dedication to "consent of the governed" was so thorough that he believed that individuals could not be morally bound by the actions of preceding generations. This included debts as well as law. He said that "no society can make a perpetual constitution or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation." He even calculated what he believed to be the proper cycle of legal revolution: "Every constitution then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of nineteen years. If it is to be enforced longer, it is an act of force, and not of right." He arrived at nineteen years through calculations with expectancy of life tables, taking into account what he believed to be the age of "maturity" when an individual is able to reason for himself.[http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl81.htm Letter to James Madison].  He also advocated that the national debt should be eliminated. He did not believe that living individuals had a moral obligation to repay the debts of previous generations. He said that repaying such debts was "a question of generosity and not of right."[http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl81.htm Letter to James Madison][http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0043-5597(199907)3%3A56%3A3%3C591%3APAPETJ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B in jstor]

Jefferson's dedication to "consent of the governed" was so thorough that he believed that individuals could not be morally bound by the actions of preceding generations. This included debts as well as law. He said that "no society can make a perpetual constitution or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation." He even calculated what he believed to be the proper cycle of legal revolution: "Every constitution then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of nineteen years. If it is to be enforced longer, it is an act of force, and not of right." He arrived at nineteen years through calculations with expectancy of life tables, taking into account what he believed to be the age of "maturity" when an individual is able to reason for himself.[https://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl81.htm Letter to James Madison].  He also advocated that the national debt should be eliminated. He did not believe that living individuals had a moral obligation to repay the debts of previous generations. He said that repaying such debts was "a question of generosity and not of right."[https://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl81.htm Letter to James Madison][https://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0043-5597(199907)3%3A56%3A3%3C591%3APAPETJ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B in jstor]

Jefferson's very strong defense of States' rights, especially in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798, set the tone for hostility to expansion of federal powers. However, some of his foreign policies did in fact strengthen the government. Most important was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when he used the implied powers to annex a huge foreign territory and all its French and Indian inhabitants. His enforcement of the Embargo Act of 1807, while it failed in terms of foreign policy, demonstrated that the federal government could intervene with great force at the local level in controlling trade that might lead to war.

Jefferson's very strong defense of States' rights, especially in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798, set the tone for hostility to expansion of federal powers. However, some of his foreign policies did in fact strengthen the government. Most important was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when he used the implied powers to annex a huge foreign territory and all its French and Indian inhabitants. His enforcement of the Embargo Act of 1807, while it failed in terms of foreign policy, demonstrated that the federal government could intervene with great force at the local level in controlling trade that might lead to war.

===View on the carrying of arms===

===View on the carrying of arms===

Jefferson’s commitment to liberty extended to many areas of individual freedom. In his "Commonplace Book," he copied a passage from Cesare, Marquis of Beccaria related to the issue of gun control. The quote reads, "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes ... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."[http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote/cesare_beccaria_quote_e215][http://www.madisonbrigade.com/t_jefferson.htm]

Jefferson’s commitment to liberty extended to many areas of individual freedom. In his "Commonplace Book," he copied a passage from Cesare, Marquis of Beccaria related to the issue of gun control. The quote reads, "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes ... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."[https://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote/cesare_beccaria_quote_e215][https://www.madisonbrigade.com/t_jefferson.htm]

===View on corporations===

===View on corporations===

Jefferson’s quote, "I hope we shall crush ... in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country"[http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff5.htm] is often attributed to being a strong warning against corporations and their function in American government and society.

Jefferson’s quote, "I hope we shall crush ... in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country"[https://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff5.htm] is often attributed to being a strong warning against corporations and their function in American government and society.

===Views on the judiciary===

===Views on the judiciary===

===Views on political violence===

===Views on political violence===

Concerning the Shays' Rebellion after he had heard of the bloodshed, Jefferson wrote to William S. Smith, John Adams's son-in-law, "What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must from time to time be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure."'[http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jefffed.html Letter to William Smith]

Concerning the Shays' Rebellion after he had heard of the bloodshed, Jefferson wrote to William S. Smith, John Adams's son-in-law, "What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must from time to time be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure."'[https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jefffed.html Letter to William Smith]

===View on self-esteem===

===View on self-esteem===

In a letter to Francis Hopkinson of March 13, 1789, Jefferson wrote:[http://www.britannica.com/presidents/article-9116912]

In a letter to Francis Hopkinson of March 13, 1789, Jefferson wrote:[https://www.britannica.com/presidents/article-9116912]

:''I never had an opinion in politics or religion which I was afraid to own. A costive reserve on these subjects might have procured me more esteem from some people, but less from myself.''

:''I never had an opinion in politics or religion which I was afraid to own. A costive reserve on these subjects might have procured me more esteem from some people, but less from myself.''

Though his religious views diverged widely from the orthodox Christianity of his day, throughout his life Jefferson was intensely interested in theology, spirituality, and biblical study. His religious commitment is probably best summarized in his own words as he proclaimed that he belonged to a sect with just one member.

Though his religious views diverged widely from the orthodox Christianity of his day, throughout his life Jefferson was intensely interested in theology, spirituality, and biblical study. His religious commitment is probably best summarized in his own words as he proclaimed that he belonged to a sect with just one member.

Jefferson's conclusions about the Bible are noteworthy. He considered much of the [[New Testament]] to be false.  He described these as "so much untruth, charlatanism and imposture".[http://books.google.com/books?id=z-pv0i1qHIYC&pg=RA1-PA329&lpg=RA1-PA329&dq=so+much+untruth,+charlatanism+and+imposture&source=web&ots=Z--qKb8ZBW&sig=WVHWR6s2hW7VKcYnxqEa9n6iQyE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result]

Jefferson's conclusions about the Bible are noteworthy. He considered much of the [[New Testament]] to be false.  He described these as "so much untruth, charlatanism and imposture".[https://books.google.com/books?id=z-pv0i1qHIYC&pg=RA1-PA329&lpg=RA1-PA329&dq=so+much+untruth,+charlatanism+and+imposture&source=web&ots=Z--qKb8ZBW&sig=WVHWR6s2hW7VKcYnxqEa9n6iQyE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result]

He described the "roguery of others of His disciples",

He described the "roguery of others of His disciples",

[http://books.google.ca/books?id=1mIFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=roguery+of+others+of+His+disciples&source=web&ots=TIEu82XIx7&sig=KHwY8G0sRyOcrFhbdLcZhVRPOz8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result]

[https://books.google.ca/books?id=1mIFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=roguery+of+others+of+His+disciples&source=web&ots=TIEu82XIx7&sig=KHwY8G0sRyOcrFhbdLcZhVRPOz8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result]

|title=The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Being His Autobiography, Correspondency

|title=The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Being His Autobiography, Correspondency

and called them a "band of dupes and impostors" describing  the Apostle Paul as the "first corrupter of the doctrines of [[Jesus]]", and wrote of "palpable interpolations and falsifications". He also described the [[Book of Revelation]] to be "merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams". [http://books.google.ca/books?id=1mIFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA395&lpg=PA395&dq=no+more+worthy+nor+capable+of+explanation+than+the+incoherences+of+our+own+nightly+dreams&source=web&ots=TIEu82YEvb&sig=ok41qLJhgmTzlwg5njYFT09F1-4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result]

and called them a "band of dupes and impostors" describing  the Apostle Paul as the "first corrupter of the doctrines of [[Jesus]]", and wrote of "palpable interpolations and falsifications". He also described the [[Book of Revelation]] to be "merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams". [https://books.google.ca/books?id=1mIFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA395&lpg=PA395&dq=no+more+worthy+nor+capable+of+explanation+than+the+incoherences+of+our+own+nightly+dreams&source=web&ots=TIEu82YEvb&sig=ok41qLJhgmTzlwg5njYFT09F1-4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result]

While living in the White House, Jefferson began to make his own condensed version of the Gospels, omitting the virgin birth of Jesus, miracles attributed to Jesus, Divinity_of_Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. Thus, primarily leaving only Jesus' moral philosophy, of which he approved. This compilation titled ''The LIFE AND MORALS OF JESUS OF NAZARETH Extracted Textually from the Gospels Greek, Latin, French, and English'' was published after his death and became known as the ''[[Jefferson Bible]]''.

While living in the White House, Jefferson began to make his own condensed version of the Gospels, omitting the virgin birth of Jesus, miracles attributed to Jesus, Divinity_of_Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. Thus, primarily leaving only Jesus' moral philosophy, of which he approved. This compilation titled ''The LIFE AND MORALS OF JESUS OF NAZARETH Extracted Textually from the Gospels Greek, Latin, French, and English'' was published after his death and became known as the ''[[Jefferson Bible]]''.

Jefferson was raised in the [[Church of England]] at a time when it was the established church in Virginia and only denomination funded by Virginia tax money. Avery Dulles] a leading Catholic theologian reports, "In his college years at William and Mary Jefferson came to admire [[Francis Bacon]], [[Isaac Newton]], and [[John Locke]] as three great paragons of wisdom. Under the influence of several professors he converted to the [[Deism]]."[http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0501/articles/dulles.htm] Dulles concludes:

Jefferson was raised in the [[Church of England]] at a time when it was the established church in Virginia and only denomination funded by Virginia tax money. Avery Dulles] a leading Catholic theologian reports, "In his college years at William and Mary Jefferson came to admire [[Francis Bacon]], [[Isaac Newton]], and [[John Locke]] as three great paragons of wisdom. Under the influence of several professors he converted to the [[Deism]]."[https://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0501/articles/dulles.htm] Dulles concludes:

:''In summary, then, Jefferson was a deist because he believed in one God, in divine providence, in the divine moral law, and in rewards and :punishments after death; but did not believe in supernatural revelation. He was a Christian deist because he saw Christianity as the highest :expression of natural religion and Jesus as an incomparably great moral teacher. He was not an orthodox Christian because he rejected, :among other things, the doctrines that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the incarnate Son of God. Jefferson's religion is fairly typical of :the American form of deism in his day.''

:''In summary, then, Jefferson was a deist because he believed in one God, in divine providence, in the divine moral law, and in rewards and :punishments after death; but did not believe in supernatural revelation. He was a Christian deist because he saw Christianity as the highest :expression of natural religion and Jesus as an incomparably great moral teacher. He was not an orthodox Christian because he rejected, :among other things, the doctrines that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the incarnate Son of God. Jefferson's religion is fairly typical of :the American form of deism in his day.''

Before the Revolution, Jefferson was a vestryman in his local church, a lay position that was informally tied to political office at the time. He also had friends who were clergy, and he supported some churches financially.

Before the Revolution, Jefferson was a vestryman in his local church, a lay position that was informally tied to political office at the time. He also had friends who were clergy, and he supported some churches financially.

His last words were, "I resign myself to my God, and my child to my country." [http://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Thomas_Jefferson.html]

His last words were, "I resign myself to my God, and my child to my country." [https://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Thomas_Jefferson.html]

===Second Continental Congress===

===Second Continental Congress===

:''No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, :molested, or burdened in his body or goods, 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 matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, :or affect their civil capacities.''

:''No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, :molested, or burdened in his body or goods, 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 matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, :or affect their civil capacities.''

In his 1787 [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/k12/psd/colony/tjnotes.htm Notes on the State of Virginia], Jefferson stated: "Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burned, tortured, fined and imprisoned. What has been the effect of this coercion? To make half the world fools and half hypocrites; to support roguery and error all over the world..."

In his 1787 [https://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/k12/psd/colony/tjnotes.htm Notes on the State of Virginia], Jefferson stated: "Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burned, tortured, fined and imprisoned. What has been the effect of this coercion? To make half the world fools and half hypocrites; to support roguery and error all over the world..."

Jefferson sought what he called a "wall of separation between Church and State," which he believed was a principle expressed by the [[First Amendment]]. This phrase has been cited several times by the Supreme Court in its interpretation of the [[Establishment Clause of the First Amendment|Establishment Clause]]. In an 1802 letter to the Danbury, Baptist Association, he wrote:

Jefferson sought what he called a "wall of separation between Church and State," which he believed was a principle expressed by the [[First Amendment]]. This phrase has been cited several times by the Supreme Court in its interpretation of the [[Establishment Clause of the First Amendment|Establishment Clause]]. In an 1802 letter to the Danbury, Baptist Association, he wrote:

Regarding the choice of some governments to regulate religion and thought, Jefferson stated:  

Regarding the choice of some governments to regulate religion and thought, Jefferson stated:  

:''The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.  But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say :there are twenty gods, or no god.  It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.'' [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/k12/psd/colony/tjnotes.htm Notes on the State of Virginia]

:''The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.  But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say :there are twenty gods, or no god.  It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.'' [https://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/k12/psd/colony/tjnotes.htm Notes on the State of Virginia]

Deriving from this statement, Jefferson believed that the Government's relationship with the Church should be indifferent, religion being neither persecuted nor give any special status.

Deriving from this statement, Jefferson believed that the Government's relationship with the Church should be indifferent, religion being neither persecuted nor give any special status.

:''If anything pass in a religious meeting seditiously and contrary to the public peace, let it be punished in the same manner and no otherwise as it had happened in a fair or market'' [http://books.google.com/books?id=icGh3NxREIIC]

:''If anything pass in a religious meeting seditiously and contrary to the public peace, let it be punished in the same manner and no otherwise as it had happened in a fair or market'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=icGh3NxREIIC]

Jefferson refused to issue proclamations calling for days of prayer and thanksgiving during his Presidency, yet he did do so as Governor in Virginia. His private letters indicate he was skeptical of too much interference by clergy in matters of civil government. His letters contain the following observations: "History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government,"  and, "In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the [[despotism]], abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own." "May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all), the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government." While opposed to the institutions of organized religion, Jefferson invoked the notion of divine justice in his opposition to slavery: "Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice can not sleep forever: that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation is among possible events: that it may become probable by supernatural interference!"[http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/jefferson/ch18.html Notes on the State of Virginia, Q.XVIII, 1782].

Jefferson refused to issue proclamations calling for days of prayer and thanksgiving during his Presidency, yet he did do so as Governor in Virginia. His private letters indicate he was skeptical of too much interference by clergy in matters of civil government. His letters contain the following observations: "History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government,"  and, "In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the [[despotism]], abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own." "May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all), the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government." While opposed to the institutions of organized religion, Jefferson invoked the notion of divine justice in his opposition to slavery: "Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice can not sleep forever: that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation is among possible events: that it may become probable by supernatural interference!"[https://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/jefferson/ch18.html Notes on the State of Virginia, Q.XVIII, 1782].

While the debate over Jefferson's understanding over the separation of Church and state is far from being settled, as are his particular religious tenets, his dependence on divine Providence is not nearly as ambiguous. As he stated, in his second inaugural address:

While the debate over Jefferson's understanding over the separation of Church and state is far from being settled, as are his particular religious tenets, his dependence on divine Providence is not nearly as ambiguous. As he stated, in his second inaugural address:

{{Cquote|I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.[http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres17.html Jefferson's Second Inaugural Address]

{{Cquote|I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.[https://www.bartleby.com/124/pres17.html Jefferson's Second Inaugural Address]

===Presidency===

===Presidency===

During the presidential campaign of 1800, the Federalists attacked Jefferson as an infidel, claiming that Jefferson's intoxication with the religious and political extremism of the [[French Revolution]] disqualified him from public office. But Jefferson wrote at length on religion and many scholars agree with the claim that Jefferson was a deist, a common position held by intellectuals in the late 18th century, at least for much of his life.

During the presidential campaign of 1800, the Federalists attacked Jefferson as an infidel, claiming that Jefferson's intoxication with the religious and political extremism of the [[French Revolution]] disqualified him from public office. But Jefferson wrote at length on religion and many scholars agree with the claim that Jefferson was a deist, a common position held by intellectuals in the late 18th century, at least for much of his life.

During his Presidency, Jefferson attended the weekly church services held in the House of Representatives. He also permitted church services in executive branch buildings throughout his administration, believing that Christianity was a prop for republican government.[http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06-2.html]

During his Presidency, Jefferson attended the weekly church services held in the House of Representatives. He also permitted church services in executive branch buildings throughout his administration, believing that Christianity was a prop for republican government.[https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06-2.html]

:''The Jefferson Bible is a document in proof that I am a ''real Christian'', that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus, very different from :the Platonists who call ''me'' infidel and ''themselves'' Christians and preachers of the gospel, while they draw all their characteristic dogmas :from what its author never said nor saw.''

:''The Jefferson Bible is a document in proof that I am a ''real Christian'', that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus, very different from :the Platonists who call ''me'' infidel and ''themselves'' Christians and preachers of the gospel, while they draw all their characteristic dogmas :from what its author never said nor saw.''

His experience in France just before the French Revolution made him deeply suspicious of Catholic priests and bishops as a force for reaction and ignorance. Similarly, his experience in America with inter-denominational intolerance served to reinforce this skeptical view of religion. In an 1820 letter to Willam Short, Jefferson wrote: "the serious enemies are the priests of the different religious sects, to whose spells on the human mind its improvement is ominous."

His experience in France just before the French Revolution made him deeply suspicious of Catholic priests and bishops as a force for reaction and ignorance. Similarly, his experience in America with inter-denominational intolerance served to reinforce this skeptical view of religion. In an 1820 letter to Willam Short, Jefferson wrote: "the serious enemies are the priests of the different religious sects, to whose spells on the human mind its improvement is ominous."

Jefferson also expressed general agreement with his friend [[Joseph Priestley]]'s [[Unitarianism]], that is the rejection of the doctrine of Trinity. In an 1822 letter to Benjamin Waterhouse he wrote, "I rejoice that in this blessed country of free inquiry and belief, which has surrendered its conscience to neither kings or priests, the genuine doctrine of only one God is reviving, and I trust that there is not a young man now living in the United States who will not die a Unitarian."[http://lachlan.bluehaze.com.au/lit/jeff17.htm Letter to Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse]  

Jefferson also expressed general agreement with his friend [[Joseph Priestley]]'s [[Unitarianism]], that is the rejection of the doctrine of Trinity. In an 1822 letter to Benjamin Waterhouse he wrote, "I rejoice that in this blessed country of free inquiry and belief, which has surrendered its conscience to neither kings or priests, the genuine doctrine of only one God is reviving, and I trust that there is not a young man now living in the United States who will not die a Unitarian."[https://lachlan.bluehaze.com.au/lit/jeff17.htm Letter to Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse]  

Jefferson did not believe in the divinity of Jesus, but he had high esteem for Jesus's moral teachings, which he viewed as the "principles of a pure deism, and juster notions of the attributes of God, to reform moral doctrines to the standard of reason, justice & philanthropy, and to inculcate the belief of a future state." [http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC02031532&id=4dnSClToke0C&pg=PA374&lpg=PR18&dq=%22Joseph+Priestley,+April+9,+1803%22 Letter to Joseph Priestley, April 9 1803]  

Jefferson did not believe in the divinity of Jesus, but he had high esteem for Jesus's moral teachings, which he viewed as the "principles of a pure deism, and juster notions of the attributes of God, to reform moral doctrines to the standard of reason, justice & philanthropy, and to inculcate the belief of a future state." [https://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC02031532&id=4dnSClToke0C&pg=PA374&lpg=PR18&dq=%22Joseph+Priestley,+April+9,+1803%22 Letter to Joseph Priestley, April 9 1803]  

Jefferson did not believe in miracles. Biographer [[Merrill D. Peterson]] summarizes Jefferson's theology:

Jefferson did not believe in miracles. Biographer [[Merrill D. Peterson]] summarizes Jefferson's theology:

Jefferson owned many slaves over his lifetime. Some find it baffling that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves yet was outspoken in saying that slavery was immoral and it should be abolished. Biographers point out that Jefferson was deeply in debt and had encumbered his slaves by notes and mortgages; he chose not to free them until he finally was debt-free, which he never was.  Jefferson seems to have suffered pangs and trials of conscience as a result.\ He wrote about slavery, "We have the wolf by the ears; and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other."

Jefferson owned many slaves over his lifetime. Some find it baffling that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves yet was outspoken in saying that slavery was immoral and it should be abolished. Biographers point out that Jefferson was deeply in debt and had encumbered his slaves by notes and mortgages; he chose not to free them until he finally was debt-free, which he never was.  Jefferson seems to have suffered pangs and trials of conscience as a result.\ He wrote about slavery, "We have the wolf by the ears; and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other."

During his long career in public office, Jefferson attempted numerous times to abolish or limit the advance of slavery. According to a biographer, Jefferson "believed that it was the responsibility of the state and society to free all slaves."  In 1769, as a member of the House of Burgesses, Jefferson proposed for that body to emancipate slaves in Virginia, but he was unsuccessful.[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID%2B@lit(tj010010)) The Works of Thomas Jefferson in Twelve Volumes] at the Library of Congress.  In his first draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson condemned the British crown for sponsoring the importation of slavery to the colonies, charging that the crown "has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere." However, this language was dropped from the Declaration at the request of delegates from South Carolina and Georgia.

During his long career in public office, Jefferson attempted numerous times to abolish or limit the advance of slavery. According to a biographer, Jefferson "believed that it was the responsibility of the state and society to free all slaves."  In 1769, as a member of the House of Burgesses, Jefferson proposed for that body to emancipate slaves in Virginia, but he was unsuccessful.[https://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID%2B@lit(tj010010)) The Works of Thomas Jefferson in Twelve Volumes] at the Library of Congress.  In his first draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson condemned the British crown for sponsoring the importation of slavery to the colonies, charging that the crown "has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere." However, this language was dropped from the Declaration at the request of delegates from South Carolina and Georgia.

In 1778, the legislature passed a bill he proposed to ban further importation of slaves into Virginia; although this did not bring complete emancipation,  in his words, it "stopped the increase of the evil by importation, leaving to future efforts its final eradication." In 1784, Jefferson's draft of what became the Northwest Ordinance stipulated that "there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude" in any of the new states admitted to the Union from the Northwest Territory. [http://www.econlib.org/library/ypdbooks/lalor/llCy787.html Ordinance of 1787] Lalor Cyclopædia of Political Science] In 1807, he signed a bill abolishing the slave trade.  

In 1778, the legislature passed a bill he proposed to ban further importation of slaves into Virginia; although this did not bring complete emancipation,  in his words, it "stopped the increase of the evil by importation, leaving to future efforts its final eradication." In 1784, Jefferson's draft of what became the Northwest Ordinance stipulated that "there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude" in any of the new states admitted to the Union from the Northwest Territory. [https://www.econlib.org/library/ypdbooks/lalor/llCy787.html Ordinance of 1787] Lalor Cyclopædia of Political Science] In 1807, he signed a bill abolishing the slave trade.  

Jefferson attacked the institution of slavery in his ''Notes on the State of Virginia''  

Jefferson attacked the institution of slavery in his ''Notes on the State of Virginia''  

{{Cquote|''There must doubtless be an unhappy influence on the manners of our people produced by the existence of slavery among us. The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other.''

{{Cquote|''There must doubtless be an unhappy influence on the manners of our people produced by the existence of slavery among us. The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other.''

In this same work, Jefferson advanced his suspicion that black people were inferior to white people "in the endowments both of body and mind."  However, Jefferson did also write in this same work that a black person could have the right to live free in any country where people judge them by their nature and not as just being good for labor as well.[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=JefVirg.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=18&division=div1 'Jefferson, Thomas, 1743–1826 . Notes on the State of Virginia ' at University of Virginia Library] He also wrote, "Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free. [But] the two races...cannot live in the same government. Nature, habit, opinion has drawn indelible lines of distinction between them." According to historian Stephen Ambrose: "Jefferson, like all slaveholders and many other white members of American society, regarded Negroes as inferior, childlike, untrustworthy and, of course, as property. Jefferson, the genius of politics, could see no way for African Americans to live in society as free people."[http://www.smithsonianmag.com/issues/2002/november/presence.php Flawed Founders] by Stephen E. Ambrose. His solution seems to have been for slaves to be freed then deported peacefully, failing which the same result would be imposed by war and that, in Jefferson's words, "human nature must shudder at the prospect held up. We should in vain look for an example in the Spanish deportation or deletion of the Moors. This precedent would fall far short of our case."

In this same work, Jefferson advanced his suspicion that black people were inferior to white people "in the endowments both of body and mind."  However, Jefferson did also write in this same work that a black person could have the right to live free in any country where people judge them by their nature and not as just being good for labor as well.[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=JefVirg.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=18&division=div1 'Jefferson, Thomas, 1743–1826 . Notes on the State of Virginia ' at University of Virginia Library] He also wrote, "Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free. [But] the two races...cannot live in the same government. Nature, habit, opinion has drawn indelible lines of distinction between them." According to historian Stephen Ambrose: "Jefferson, like all slaveholders and many other white members of American society, regarded Negroes as inferior, childlike, untrustworthy and, of course, as property. Jefferson, the genius of politics, could see no way for African Americans to live in society as free people."[https://www.smithsonianmag.com/issues/2002/november/presence.php Flawed Founders] by Stephen E. Ambrose. His solution seems to have been for slaves to be freed then deported peacefully, failing which the same result would be imposed by war and that, in Jefferson's words, "human nature must shudder at the prospect held up. We should in vain look for an example in the Spanish deportation or deletion of the Moors. This precedent would fall far short of our case."

On February 25, 1809, Jefferson repudiated his earlier view, writing in a letter to Abbé Grégoire:

On February 25, 1809, Jefferson repudiated his earlier view, writing in a letter to Abbé Grégoire:

====Sally Hemings controversy====

====Sally Hemings controversy====

Whether Jefferson fathered children with [[Sally Hemings]] is the subject of considerable controversy. Regarding marriage between blacks and whites, Jefferson wrote that "[t]he amalgamation of whites with blacks produces a degradation to which no lover of his country, no lover of excellence in the human character, can innocently consent." In addition, Hemings was likely the half-sister of Jefferson's deceased wife Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson. The allegation that Jefferson fathered children with Hemings first gained widespread public attention in 1802, when controversial journalist James T. Callender, wrote in a Richmond newspaper, "...[Jefferson] keeps and for many years has kept, as his concubine, one of his slaves. Her name is Sally." Jefferson never responded publicly about this issue but is said to have denied it in his private correspondence. [http://www.ashbrook.org/articles/mayer-hemings.html#VIA The Thomas Jefferson - Sally Hemings Myth and the Politicization of American History]

Whether Jefferson fathered children with [[Sally Hemings]] is the subject of considerable controversy. Regarding marriage between blacks and whites, Jefferson wrote that "[t]he amalgamation of whites with blacks produces a degradation to which no lover of his country, no lover of excellence in the human character, can innocently consent." In addition, Hemings was likely the half-sister of Jefferson's deceased wife Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson. The allegation that Jefferson fathered children with Hemings first gained widespread public attention in 1802, when controversial journalist James T. Callender, wrote in a Richmond newspaper, "...[Jefferson] keeps and for many years has kept, as his concubine, one of his slaves. Her name is Sally." Jefferson never responded publicly about this issue but is said to have denied it in his private correspondence. [https://www.ashbrook.org/articles/mayer-hemings.html#VIA The Thomas Jefferson - Sally Hemings Myth and the Politicization of American History]

A 1998 DNA study concluded that there was a DNA link between some of Hemings descendants and the Jefferson family, but it did not conclusively prove that Jefferson himself was their ancestor.  Three studies were released in the early 2000s, following the publication of the DNA evidence. In 2000, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which runs Monticello, appointed a multi-disciplinary, nine-member in-house research committee of Ph.D.s and an M.D. to study the matter of the paternity of Hemings's children. The committee concluded "it is very unlikely that any Jefferson other than Thomas Jefferson was the father of [Hemings's six] children." [http://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/appendixj.html Report of the Research Committee on Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, Appendix J: The Possible Paternity of Other Jeffersons, A Summary of Research]

A 1998 DNA study concluded that there was a DNA link between some of Hemings descendants and the Jefferson family, but it did not conclusively prove that Jefferson himself was their ancestor.  Three studies were released in the early 2000s, following the publication of the DNA evidence. In 2000, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which runs Monticello, appointed a multi-disciplinary, nine-member in-house research committee of Ph.D.s and an M.D. to study the matter of the paternity of Hemings's children. The committee concluded "it is very unlikely that any Jefferson other than Thomas Jefferson was the father of [Hemings's six] children." [https://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/appendixj.html Report of the Research Committee on Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, Appendix J: The Possible Paternity of Other Jeffersons, A Summary of Research]

In 2001, the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society [http://www.tjheritage.org/scholars.html The Scholars Commission on the Jefferson-Hemings Issue] commissioned a study by an independent 13-member Scholars Commission. The commission concluded that the Jefferson paternity thesis was not persuasive. On April 12, 2001, they issued a report; at 565 pages, it was far longer than the Foundation report, though many of those pages were devoted to a review of the evidence that the Thomas Jefferson Foundation study examined. The conclusion of most of the Scholars Commission was that "the Jefferson-Hemings allegation is by no means proven"; those members' individual conclusions ranged from "serious skepticism about the charge" to "a conviction that it is almost certainly false." The majority suggested the most likely alternative is that Randolph Jefferson, Thomas's younger brother, was the father of Eston.

In 2001, the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society [https://www.tjheritage.org/scholars.html The Scholars Commission on the Jefferson-Hemings Issue] commissioned a study by an independent 13-member Scholars Commission. The commission concluded that the Jefferson paternity thesis was not persuasive. On April 12, 2001, they issued a report; at 565 pages, it was far longer than the Foundation report, though many of those pages were devoted to a review of the evidence that the Thomas Jefferson Foundation study examined. The conclusion of most of the Scholars Commission was that "the Jefferson-Hemings allegation is by no means proven"; those members' individual conclusions ranged from "serious skepticism about the charge" to "a conviction that it is almost certainly false." The majority suggested the most likely alternative is that Randolph Jefferson, Thomas's younger brother, was the father of Eston.

The ''National Genealogical Society Quarterly'' then published articles reviewing the evidence from a genealogical perspective and concluded that the link between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings was credible.

The ''National Genealogical Society Quarterly'' then published articles reviewing the evidence from a genealogical perspective and concluded that the link between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings was credible.

#Ellis, American Sphinx, 50.

#Ellis, American Sphinx, 50.

#Part I: History of the Death Penalty

#Part I: History of the Death Penalty

#http://users.bestweb.net/~rg/execution/VIRGINIA.htm

#https://users.bestweb.net/~rg/execution/VIRGINIA.htm

#Bennett, William J. (2006). "The Greatest Revolution", America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I): From the Age of Discovery to a World at War. Nelson Current, 99. ISBN 1-59555-055-0.  

#Bennett, William J. (2006). "The Greatest Revolution", America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I): From the Age of Discovery to a World at War. Nelson Current, 99. ISBN 1-59555-055-0.  

#(Ferling, p. 26)

#(Ferling, p. 26)

#Letter to James Madison, 6 September 1789

#Letter to James Madison, 6 September 1789

#Letter to James Madison, 6 September 1789; Daniel Scott Smith, "Population and Political Ethics: Thomas Jefferson's Demography of Generations," The William and Mary Quarterly, 3rd Ser., Vol. 56, No. 3 (Jul., 1999), pp. 591–612 in jstor

#Letter to James Madison, 6 September 1789; Daniel Scott Smith, "Population and Political Ethics: Thomas Jefferson's Demography of Generations," The William and Mary Quarterly, 3rd Ser., Vol. 56, No. 3 (Jul., 1999), pp. 591–612 in jstor

#http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote/cesare_beccaria_quote_e215

#https://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote/cesare_beccaria_quote_e215

#The James Madison Research Library and Information Center

#The James Madison Research Library and Information Center

#Gun-Free Zones' - WSJ.com

#Gun-Free Zones' - WSJ.com

#Jefferson, Thomas (1854). in H. A. WASHINGTON: The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Being His Autobiography, Correspondence. WASHINGTON, D. C: TAYLOR & MATJRY, p 395. Retrieved on 2008-07-13.  

#Jefferson, Thomas (1854). in H. A. WASHINGTON: The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Being His Autobiography, Correspondence. WASHINGTON, D. C: TAYLOR & MATJRY, p 395. Retrieved on 2008-07-13.  

#Letter to William Short, April 13, 1820

#Letter to William Short, April 13, 1820

#Avery Dulles, "The Deist Minimum" First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life Issue: 149. (January 2005) pp 25+ http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0501/articles/dulles.htm

#Avery Dulles, "The Deist Minimum" First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life Issue: 149. (January 2005) pp 25+ https://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0501/articles/dulles.htm

#[http://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Thomas_Jefferson.html The Religious Affiliation of Third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson] Adherents.com, 30 November 2005, Accessed July 3, 2004

#[https://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Thomas_Jefferson.html The Religious Affiliation of Third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson] Adherents.com, 30 November 2005, Accessed July 3, 2004

#Merrill D. Peterson, ed., Thomas Jefferson: Writings (1984), p. 347

#Merrill D. Peterson, ed., Thomas Jefferson: Writings (1984), p. 347

#Reynolds (98 U.S. at 164, 1879); Everson (330 U.S. at 59, 1947); McCollum (333 U.S. at 232, 1948)

#Reynolds (98 U.S. at 164, 1879); Everson (330 U.S. at 59, 1947); McCollum (333 U.S. at 232, 1948)

===Primary sources===

===Primary sources===

*''[http://www.loa.org/volume.jsp?RequestID=67&section=notes Thomas Jefferson: Writings: Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public and Private Papers / Addresses / Letters]'' (1984, ISBN 978-0-94045016-5) [[Library of America]] edition. There are numerous one-volume collections; this is perhaps the best place to start.

*''[https://www.loa.org/volume.jsp?RequestID=67&section=notes Thomas Jefferson: Writings: Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public and Private Papers / Addresses / Letters]'' (1984, ISBN 978-0-94045016-5) [[Library of America]] edition. There are numerous one-volume collections; this is perhaps the best place to start.

*''Thomas Jefferson, Political Writings'' ed by Joyce Appleby and Terence Ball. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=107255488 Cambridge University Press. 1999 online]

*''Thomas Jefferson, Political Writings'' ed by Joyce Appleby and Terence Ball. [https://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=107255488 Cambridge University Press. 1999 online]

*[http://www.constitution.org/tj/jeff.htm Lipscomb, Andrew A. and Albert Ellery Bergh, eds. ''The Writings Of Thomas Jefferson'' 19 vol. (1907)] not as complete nor as accurate as Boyd edition, but covers TJ from birth to death. It is out of copyright, and so is online free.

*[https://www.constitution.org/tj/jeff.htm Lipscomb, Andrew A. and Albert Ellery Bergh, eds. ''The Writings Of Thomas Jefferson'' 19 vol. (1907)] not as complete nor as accurate as Boyd edition, but covers TJ from birth to death. It is out of copyright, and so is online free.

*Edwin Morris Betts (editor), ''Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book'', (Thomas Jefferson Memorial: [[December 1]], [[1953]]) ISBN 1-882886-10-0. Letters, notes, and drawings—a journal of plantation management recording his contributions to scientific agriculture, including an experimental farm implementing innovations such as horizontal plowing and crop-rotation, and Jefferson's own moldboard plow. It is a window to slave life, with data on food rations, daily work tasks, and slaves' clothing. The book portrays the industries pursued by enslaved and free workmen, including in the blacksmith's shop and spinning and weaving house.

*Edwin Morris Betts (editor), ''Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book'', (Thomas Jefferson Memorial: [[December 1]], [[1953]]) ISBN 1-882886-10-0. Letters, notes, and drawings—a journal of plantation management recording his contributions to scientific agriculture, including an experimental farm implementing innovations such as horizontal plowing and crop-rotation, and Jefferson's own moldboard plow. It is a window to slave life, with data on food rations, daily work tasks, and slaves' clothing. The book portrays the industries pursued by enslaved and free workmen, including in the blacksmith's shop and spinning and weaving house.

*Boyd, Julian P. et al, eds. ''[http://www.princeton.edu/~tjpapers/index.html The Papers of Thomas Jefferson].'' The definitive multivolume edition; available at major academic libraries. 31 volumes covers TJ to 1800, with 1801 due out in 2006.

*Boyd, Julian P. et al, eds. ''[https://www.princeton.edu/~tjpapers/index.html The Papers of Thomas Jefferson].'' The definitive multivolume edition; available at major academic libraries. 31 volumes covers TJ to 1800, with 1801 due out in 2006.

*[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/foley/ ''The Jefferson Cyclopedia'' (1900)] large collection of TJ quotations arranged by 9000 topics; searchable; copyright has expired and it is online free.

*[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/foley/ ''The Jefferson Cyclopedia'' (1900)] large collection of TJ quotations arranged by 9000 topics; searchable; copyright has expired and it is online free.

*The Thomas Jefferson Papers, 1606–1827, 27,000 original manuscript documents at the Library of Congress [http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/jefferson_papers/ online collection]

*The Thomas Jefferson Papers, 1606–1827, 27,000 original manuscript documents at the Library of Congress [https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/jefferson_papers/ online collection]

*Jefferson, Thomas. ''Notes on the State of Virginia'' (1787), London: Stockdale. This was Jefferson's only book

*Jefferson, Thomas. ''Notes on the State of Virginia'' (1787), London: Stockdale. This was Jefferson's only book

**Shuffleton, Frank, ed., (1998) Penguin Classics paperback: ISBN 0-14-043667-7

**Shuffleton, Frank, ed., (1998) Penguin Classics paperback: ISBN 0-14-043667-7

**Waldstreicher, David, ed., (2002) Palgrave Macmillan hardcover: ISBN 0-312-29428-X

**Waldstreicher, David, ed., (2002) Palgrave Macmillan hardcover: ISBN 0-312-29428-X

**[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/JefVirg.html online edition]

**[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/JefVirg.html online edition]

*Cappon, Lester J., ed. ''The Adams-Jefferson Letters'' (1959)

*Cappon, Lester J., ed. ''The Adams-Jefferson Letters'' (1959)

*Howell, Wilbur Samuel, ed. ''Jefferson's Parliamentary Writings'' (1988). Jefferson's Manual of Parliamentary Practice, written when he was vice-President, with other relevant papers

*Howell, Wilbur Samuel, ed. ''Jefferson's Parliamentary Writings'' (1988). Jefferson's Manual of Parliamentary Practice, written when he was vice-President, with other relevant papers

*[[Joseph Ellis|Ellis, Joseph J.]] ''[[American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson]]'' (1996). Prize winning essays; assumes prior reading of a biography

*[[Joseph Ellis|Ellis, Joseph J.]] ''[[American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson]]'' (1996). Prize winning essays; assumes prior reading of a biography

*[[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens, C. E.]]''Thomas Jefferson: Author of America'' (2005), short biography

*[[Christopher Hitchens|Hitchens, C. E.]]''Thomas Jefferson: Author of America'' (2005), short biography

*[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/jefferson_papers/mtjessay1.html "American Sphinx: The Contradictions of Thomas Jefferson.] essay by Joseph Ellis

*[https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/jefferson_papers/mtjessay1.html "American Sphinx: The Contradictions of Thomas Jefferson.] essay by Joseph Ellis

*[[Dumas Malone|Malone, Dumas]]. ''Jefferson and His Time'', 6 vols. (1948–82). Multi-volume biography of TJ by leading expert; [http://members.aol.com/historiography/jefferson.html A short version is online]

*[[Dumas Malone|Malone, Dumas]]. ''Jefferson and His Time'', 6 vols. (1948–82). Multi-volume biography of TJ by leading expert; [https://members.aol.com/historiography/jefferson.html A short version is online]

*Onuf, Peter  "The Scholars' Jefferson," ''William and Mary Quarterly'' 3d Series, L:4 (October 1993), 671–699. Historiographical review or scholarship about TJ; online through JSTOR at most academic libraries.

*Onuf, Peter  "The Scholars' Jefferson," ''William and Mary Quarterly'' 3d Series, L:4 (October 1993), 671–699. Historiographical review or scholarship about TJ; online through JSTOR at most academic libraries.

*Pasley, Jeffrey L. "Politics and the Misadventures of Thomas Jefferson's Modern Reputation: a Review Essay." ''Journal of Southern History'' 2006 72(4): 871–908. Issn: 0022-4642 Fulltext in Ebsco

*Pasley, Jeffrey L. "Politics and the Misadventures of Thomas Jefferson's Modern Reputation: a Review Essay." ''Journal of Southern History'' 2006 72(4): 871–908. Issn: 0022-4642 Fulltext in Ebsco

===Academic studies===

===Academic studies===

*Ackerman, Bruce.  ''The Failure of the Founding Fathers: Jefferson, Marshall, and the Rise of Presidential Democracy.'' (2005)

*Ackerman, Bruce.  ''The Failure of the Founding Fathers: Jefferson, Marshall, and the Rise of Presidential Democracy.'' (2005)

*Adams, Henry. ''History of the United States of America during the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson'' (1889; [http://www.loa.org/volume.jsp?RequestID=16&section=notes Library of America edition 1986)] famous 4-volume history

*Adams, Henry. ''History of the United States of America during the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson'' (1889; [https://www.loa.org/volume.jsp?RequestID=16&section=notes Library of America edition 1986)] famous 4-volume history

**Wills, Garry, ''Henry Adams and the Making of America'' (2005), detailed analysis of Adams' ''History''

**Wills, Garry, ''Henry Adams and the Making of America'' (2005), detailed analysis of Adams' ''History''

*Banning, Lance. ''The Jeffersonian Persuasion: Evolution of a Party Ideology'' (1978)

*Banning, Lance. ''The Jeffersonian Persuasion: Evolution of a Party Ideology'' (1978)

*Matthews, Richard K. "The Radical Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson: An Essay in Retrieval," ''Midwest Studies in Philosophy,'' XXVIII (2004)

*Matthews, Richard K. "The Radical Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson: An Essay in Retrieval," ''Midwest Studies in Philosophy,'' XXVIII (2004)

*Mayer, David N. ''The Constitutional Thought of Thomas Jefferson'' (2000)

*Mayer, David N. ''The Constitutional Thought of Thomas Jefferson'' (2000)

*Onuf, Peter S. ''Jefferson's Empire: The Languages of American Nationhood''. (2000). [http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showpdf.cgi?path=23482982861596 Online review]

*Onuf, Peter S. ''Jefferson's Empire: The Languages of American Nationhood''. (2000). [https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showpdf.cgi?path=23482982861596 Online review]

*Onuf, Peter S., ed. ''Jeffersonian Legacies''. (1993)

*Onuf, Peter S., ed. ''Jeffersonian Legacies''. (1993)

*Onuf, Peter. [http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/journals/EH/EH35/onuf1.html "Thomas Jefferson, Federalist" (1993)] online journal essay

*Onuf, Peter. [https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/journals/EH/EH35/onuf1.html "Thomas Jefferson, Federalist" (1993)] online journal essay

*Perry, Barbara A. "Jefferson's Legacy to the Supreme Court: Freedom of Religion." ''Journal of Supreme Court History'' 2006 31(2): 181–198. Issn: 1059-4329 Fulltext in Swetswise, Ingenta and Ebsco

*Perry, Barbara A. "Jefferson's Legacy to the Supreme Court: Freedom of Religion." ''Journal of Supreme Court History'' 2006 31(2): 181–198. Issn: 1059-4329 Fulltext in Swetswise, Ingenta and Ebsco

*Peterson, Merrill D. ''The Jefferson Image in the American Mind'' (1960), how Americans interpreted and remembered Jefferson

*Peterson, Merrill D. ''The Jefferson Image in the American Mind'' (1960), how Americans interpreted and remembered Jefferson

*Wagoner, Jennings L., Jr.  ''Jefferson and Education.'' (2004).

*Wagoner, Jennings L., Jr.  ''Jefferson and Education.'' (2004).

*Wiltse, Charles Maurice. ''The Jeffersonian Tradition in American Democracy'' (1935), analysis of Jefferson's political philosophy

*Wiltse, Charles Maurice. ''The Jeffersonian Tradition in American Democracy'' (1935), analysis of Jefferson's political philosophy

*[http://www.pbs.org/jefferson/archives/interviews/frame.htm PBS interviews with 24 historians]

*[https://www.pbs.org/jefferson/archives/interviews/frame.htm PBS interviews with 24 historians]

====Jefferson and religion====

====Jefferson and religion====

==External links and sources==

==External links and sources==

*[http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/texts/ University of Virginia Jefferson Papers]

*[https://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/texts/ University of Virginia Jefferson Papers]

*[http://city-journal.org/html/17_4_urbanities-monticello.html Monticello's Shadows, ''City Journal,'' Autumn 2007]

*[https://city-journal.org/html/17_4_urbanities-monticello.html Monticello's Shadows, ''City Journal,'' Autumn 2007]

*[http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/jefferson Extensive essay on Thomas Jefferson and shorter essays on each member of his cabinet and First Lady from the Miller Center of Public Affairs]

*[https://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/jefferson Extensive essay on Thomas Jefferson and shorter essays on each member of his cabinet and First Lady from the Miller Center of Public Affairs]

*[http://www.americanrevolution.com/ThomasJefferson.htm American Revolution.com]

*[https://www.americanrevolution.com/ThomasJefferson.htm American Revolution.com]

*[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/biog/index.html B. L. Rayner's 1829 ''Life of Thomas Jefferson'', an on-line etext]

*[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/biog/index.html B. L. Rayner's 1829 ''Life of Thomas Jefferson'', an on-line etext]

*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/tj3.html Biography on White House website]

*[https://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/tj3.html Biography on White House website]

*[http://www.exploredc.org/index.php?id=72 Explore DC biography]

*[https://www.exploredc.org/index.php?id=72 Explore DC biography]

*[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/jefferson/cron/1977wolf.html "Frontline: Jefferson's blood: Chronology: The Sally Hemings story (1977), PBS]

*[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/jefferson/cron/1977wolf.html "Frontline: Jefferson's blood: Chronology: The Sally Hemings story (1977), PBS]

*[http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/grizzard "The Hobby of My Old Age": Jefferson's University of Virginia]

*[https://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/grizzard "The Hobby of My Old Age": Jefferson's University of Virginia]

*[http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/ Library of Congress: Jefferson exhibition]

*[https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/ Library of Congress: Jefferson exhibition]

*[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/mtjhtml/mtjtime1.html Library of Congress: Jefferson timeline]

*[https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/mtjhtml/mtjtime1.html Library of Congress: Jefferson timeline]

*[http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/92uva/92uva.htm ''Thomas Jefferson's Plan for the University of Virginia: Lessons from the Lawn,'' a National Park Service Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) lesson plan]

*[https://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/92uva/92uva.htm ''Thomas Jefferson's Plan for the University of Virginia: Lessons from the Lawn,'' a National Park Service Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) lesson plan]

*[http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/historiography/tj.html Jefferson: Man of the Millennium]

*[https://members.aol.com/_ht_a/historiography/tj.html Jefferson: Man of the Millennium]

*[http://www.doctorzebra.com/prez/g03.htm Medical History and Health of Thomas Jefferson]

*[https://www.doctorzebra.com/prez/g03.htm Medical History and Health of Thomas Jefferson]

*[http://www.monticello.org/ Monticello - Home of Thomas Jefferson]

*[https://www.monticello.org/ Monticello - Home of Thomas Jefferson]

*[http://www.poplarforest.org/ Poplar Forest-Thomas Jefferson's second home]

*[https://www.poplarforest.org/ Poplar Forest-Thomas Jefferson's second home]

*[http://www.nps.gov/thje/ Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC]

*[https://www.nps.gov/thje/ Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC]

*[http://www.jeffersonhour.org/ ''The Thomas Jefferson Hour''] hosted by [[Clay S. Jenkinson]]

*[https://www.jeffersonhour.org/ ''The Thomas Jefferson Hour''] hosted by [[Clay S. Jenkinson]]

*[http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/jeffpap.htm The Papers of Thomas Jefferson] at the Avalon Project

*[https://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/jeffpap.htm The Papers of Thomas Jefferson] at the Avalon Project

*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6435 Plaque at University of Missouri at Find-A-Grave]

*[https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6435 Plaque at University of Missouri at Find-A-Grave]

*[http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/ Quotations from Jefferson]

*[https://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/ Quotations from Jefferson]

*[http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/narratives/bio_sally_hemings.htm "The Sally Hemings Story" Slavery in America, Narratives/Biographies]

*[https://www.slaveryinamerica.org/narratives/bio_sally_hemings.htm "The Sally Hemings Story" Slavery in America, Narratives/Biographies]

*[http://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings_report.html "Report of the Research Committee on Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings", Thomas Jefferson Foundation January 2000''] with link to .pdf version of full report

*[https://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings_report.html "Report of the Research Committee on Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings", Thomas Jefferson Foundation January 2000''] with link to .pdf version of full report

*[http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jeflxx.htm Selected letters]

*[https://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jeflxx.htm Selected letters]

*[http://www.american-presidents.com/presidents/thomas-jefferson Thomas Jefferson Biography]

*[https://www.american-presidents.com/presidents/thomas-jefferson Thomas Jefferson Biography]

*[http://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings-jefferson_contro.html "Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: A Brief Account"] at monticello.org

*[https://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings-jefferson_contro.html "Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: A Brief Account"] at monticello.org

*[http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quotes_by/thomas+jefferson Thomas Jefferson Quotes] at Liberty-Tree.ca

*[https://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quotes_by/thomas+jefferson Thomas Jefferson Quotes] at Liberty-Tree.ca

*[http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/biog/lj01.htm University of Virginia biography]

*[https://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/biog/lj01.htm University of Virginia biography]

*[http://caracas.usembassy.gov/wwwh272.html US embassy, Caracas biography]

*[https://caracas.usembassy.gov/wwwh272.html US embassy, Caracas biography]

*[http://www.constitution.org/tj/tj-categ.htm ''Writings of Thomas Jefferson'', Albert Ellery Bergh, ed., 19 vol. (1905).] 5145KB zipped ASCII file

*[https://www.constitution.org/tj/tj-categ.htm ''Writings of Thomas Jefferson'', Albert Ellery Bergh, ed., 19 vol. (1905).] 5145KB zipped ASCII file

*[http://www.colonialhall.com/jefferson/jefferson.php Biography by Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, 1856]

*[https://www.colonialhall.com/jefferson/jefferson.php Biography by Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, 1856]

*[http://www.yamaguchy.netfirms.com/7897401/jefferson/jefind.html The Earth Belongs to the Living] -- selected letters on currency, banking, statecraft

*[https://www.yamaguchy.netfirms.com/7897401/jefferson/jefind.html The Earth Belongs to the Living] -- selected letters on currency, banking, statecraft

*[http://www.angelfire.com/va/TJTruth/ TJ Truth]

*[https://www.angelfire.com/va/TJTruth/ TJ Truth]

*[http://www.jeffersonlegacy.org/ Jefferson legacy website]

*[https://www.jeffersonlegacy.org/ Jefferson legacy website]

*[http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/presidents/jefferson/ Thomas Jefferson: A Resource Guide] from the Library of Congress

*[https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/presidents/jefferson/ Thomas Jefferson: A Resource Guide] from the Library of Congress

[[Category: History]]

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[[Category: Political Science]]

[[Category: Political Science]]

[[Category: Archaeology]]

[[Category: Archaeology]]