Based on the compilation of documents, what seemed to be Jefferson’s main beliefs or ideologies?

Jefferson on Slavery & Race

● A 1769 advertisement for a runaway “Mulatto slave called ​Sandy.​” After Sandy's return, Jefferson sold him, as he did many
problem slaves, to Col. Charles Lewis for 100 pounds on January 29, 1773.

● 1770: ​A mixed-race man from Virginia, Samuel Howell, brought suit against his master to be freed from indentured
servitude. His pro bono lawyer was future president Thomas Jefferson. Howell’s enslavement was due to the law of
partus sequitur ventrem. ​This ancient Roman law, adopted by Virginians, simply meant that whatever your mother was,
you were. As punishment for having a black child out of wedlock, Howell’s white grandmother had been fined, and her
child had been bound out for servitude until the age of thirty-one. That child, Howell’s mother, had Samuel Howell while
she was still an indentured servant; under the law, it meant that her child would also be enslaved. When Howell sued to
gain his freedom, the 27-year-old Jefferson had been practicing law for only three years. Jefferson, whose views on race
are notoriously complicated, appears in this instance to have worked tirelessly in support of the natural rights of man,
regardless of color. His brief in ​Howell v. Netherland​ contains his first known public comment on human rights:
○ “Under the law of nature, all men are born free, every one comes into the world with a right to his own person, which
includes the liberty of moving and using it at his own will. This is what is called personal liberty, and is given him by the
author of nature, because necessary for his own sustenance. Reducing one to servitude is a violation of the law of
nature…”

● “Summary View of the Rights of British America,” 1774

○ “His majesty has rejected laws of the most salutary [beneficial] tendency. The abolition of domestic slavery is the great
object of desire in colonies where it was unhappily introduced...But previous to the enfranchisement [freeing] of the
slaves we have, it is necessary to exclude all further importations from Africa; yet our repeated attempts to effect this by
prohibitions, and by imposing duties which might amount to a prohibition, have been hitherto defeated by his majesty…”

● “Notes on the State of Virginia,” 1781

○ “The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of unremitting despotism [oppression] and
degrading submission...Our children see this, and learn to imitate it...The parent storms, the child looks on…[and] puts on
the same airs [acts the same] in the circle of smaller slaves...liberties are not to be violated but with God’s wrath...I think
a change already perceptible...we must hope it forces its way into everyone’s mind...The spirit of the master is abating,
that of the slave rising from the dust…”
○ “the blacks, whether originally a distinct race, or made distinct by time and circumstances, are inferior to the whites in
the endowments both of body and mind.”

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA

 ● 1784 Ban on slavery and involuntary servitude in western territories-Jefferson’s proposal to ban slavery in western lands was used
in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, banning slavery in the Northwest Territory only.
○ “After the year 1800...there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in any of the said states, otherwise than in
punishment of crimes…”

● 1785 Letter to Marquis de Chastellux

○ “I believe the Indian then to be in body & mind equal to the whiteman. I have supposed the black man, in his present
state, might not be so; but, if equally cultivated [nurtured] for a few generations, he might become so.”

Jefferson on the Economy

● Notes on the State of Virginia, 1783, The State of Manufactures, Commerce and Trade
○ “Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever he had a chosen people, whose breasts he has
made his peculiar deposit for substantial and genuine virtue...We have an immensity of land courting [calling to] the
industry of the farmer...While we have land to labour then, let us never wish to see our citizens occupied at a
work-bench...let our work-shops remain in Europe. It is better to carry provisions and materials to workmen
there...The loss by the transportation of commodities across the Atlantic will be made up in happiness and permanence
of government.”
● Letter to John Adams, 1785
○ “I think all the world would gain by setting commerce [trade] at perfect liberty.
● Letter to George Washington, 1787
○ “Agriculture ... is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals &
happiness.”
● Jefferson on Taxes and General Welfare, 1791
○ “Congress is not to lay taxes for any purpose they please; but only to pay the debts or provide for the welfare of the
Union.”
○ “Taxes should be proportioned to what may be annually spared by the individual...Another means of silently lessening
the inequality of property is to exempt all from taxation below a certain point, and to tax the higher portions of
property..”
● Jefferson on financial institutions, 1791
○ “I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies…”

Jefferson on the Purpose & Powers of Government

● Jefferson’s Letter to James Madison on the proposed Constitution (Jefferson was in France during the Constitutional
Convention).
○ I like the organization of the government into Legislative, Judiciary & Executive. I like the power given the Legislature to
levy taxes, and for the greater house [of representatives] being chosen by the people directly. For tho’ I think a house
chosen by them will be very illy qualified to legislate for the Union, it preserves the fundamental principle that the people
are not to be taxed but by representatives chosen by themselves...I am much pleased too with the substitution of the
method of voting by persons, instead of that of voting by states..I like the checks on the Executive by ⅔ of the
Legislative, although I would have liked if the Judiciary had that power, or a similar, separate power on the Executive.
○ “I do not like...the omission of a bill of rights...or the abandonment of the necessity of rotation in office for the President,
allowing one to serve for life…”
○ “I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be
as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. When they get piled upon one another in large cities, as in
Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe. Above all things I hope the education of the common people will be
attended to...on their good sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of a due degree of liberty.”
● 1786 Letter to James Currie
○ “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost…”
● Jefferson on the powers of Congress, 1791

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA

 ○ To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession
of a boundless field of power.”
● Thomas Jefferson on the proposed Bank of the United States, 1791
○ The incorporation of a bank, and the powers assumed by this bill [Hamilton’s bank bill], have not, in my opinion, been
delegated to the United States by the Constitution…​”
● The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, 1798 (in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts)
○ “Whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no
force...the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are
reserved to the States respectively...each party [state] has an equal right to judge for itself...the extent of the powers
delegated”
● Jefferson on his plans for good government, First Inaugural, 1801
○ [A] wise and frugal government shall prevent men from injuring one another, leaving them otherwise free to regulate
and pursue their own interests, and shall not take from them the fruits of their labor and bread they have
earned...though the will of the majority prevails...the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect,
and to violate would be oppression

Jefferson on the Relationship between Government & the People (keeping the government in check)
● “Summary View of the Rights of British America,” 1774
○ “​Experience confirms the propriety of those political principles which exempt us from the jurisdiction of the
British parliament. The true ground on which we declare these acts void is, that the British parliament has no
right to exercise authority over us.”

● The Declaration of Independence, 1776

○ “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That
to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent
of the governed…”

● “Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom,” 1779

○ “no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry...all men shall be
free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion...the rights hereby asserted
are of the natural rights of mankind…”
○ “It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor
breaks my leg.”

● 1786 Letter to James Currie

○ “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost…”

● 1787 Letter to William Smith about Shays’ Rebellion

○ I hold that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and necessary...the tree of Liberty must be
refreshed from time to time...for the sound health of government...what country can preserve its
liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time?”

● Jefferson on responsive citizens, 1788

○ “Above all things I hope the education of the common people will be attended to...on their good
sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of a due degree of liberty.”

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA

 ● Thomas Jefferson, shortly after retiring as Secretary of State, on the revolutions occurring in France and
Holland, 1795
○ “This ball of liberty, I believe most piously, is now so well in motion that it will roll round the globe, at
least the enlightened part of it, for light & liberty go together. it is our glory that we first put it into
motion.”

● Thomas Jefferson on his election in 1800

○ “The revolution of 1800 was as real a revolution in the principles of our government as that of 76. It
was not effected by the sword...but by the rational and peaceable instrument of reform, the suffrage
[vote] of the people. The nation declared it's will by dismissing officials of one principle, and electing
those of another…”

Jefferson on Society
● Jefferson proposed a three level education system in 1779, (never adopted): three years of primary education for all
girls and boys; advanced studies for a select number of boys showing particular intelligence and talent; a state
scholarship to the College of William and Mary for one boy from each district every two years. He also proposed a bill
for education “for the instruction of the slaves, especially those destined to be freed.” Jefferson later went on to
found the University of Virginia
○ “Whenever the people are well-informed and educated, they can be trusted with their own government.”
○ “It is essential to give [women] a solid education which might enable them, when become mothers, to
educate their own daughters, and even to direct the course for sons, should their fathers be lost, or
incapable, or inattentive.”
○ “Ignorance and despotism seem made for each other.”

● In Virginia, Jefferson successfully abolished entail and primogeniture, which preserved land estates and passed them
on only to eldest sons upon the father's death. These laws tended to concentrate land in the hands of a few wealthy
elites, so Jefferson's efforts helped reduce inherited concentrations of wealth and land. By 1800, not a single state
still had primogeniture laws.

Jefferson on Foreign Policy

● Jefferson on Standing Armies, 1789
○ “There are instruments so dangerous to the rights of the nation...Such an instrument is a standing
army...Standing armies [are] inconsistent with [a people's] freedom..A naval force can never endanger our
liberties, nor occasion bloodshed; a land force would do both…”

● Thomas Jefferson, recommendations on Indian Wars as Secretary of State, 1791

○ “The most economical as well as most humane conduct toward themis to bribe them into peace, and to
retain them [keep them] in peace by eternal bribes.”

● Thomas Jefferson, letters on considering war with the Barbary States (pirates attacking US ships), 1792
○ “Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it. But
the temper and folly of our enemies may not leave this in our choice...I prefer obtaining peace by war than
by tribute payment...Honor favors it. It will procure us respect in Europe; and it is least expensive…”

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA

 ● Thomas Jefferson, shortly after retiring as Secretary of State, on the revolutions occurring in France and Holland,
1795
○ “This ball of liberty, I believe most piously, is now so well in motion that it will roll round the globe, at least
the enlightened part of it, for light & liberty go together. it is our glory that we first put it into motion.”

Name: ________________________________ Jefferson’s Ideologies

“​We should have such an empire for liberty as she has never surveyed since the creation: & I am
persuaded no constitution was ever before so well calculated as ours for extensive empire & self
government.” --Thomas Jefferson

What were Jefferson’s visions for this “Empire of Liberty” prior to his election to the presidency?

Jefferson’s Views
on...
Slavery & Race Slavery is acceptable if it is necessary for the survival of an individual. Blacks were lesser
people due to their culture, but they could be taught the ways of the white man. Generally
despised slavery in any other situation, due to violating natural rights.

The Economy Believed minimal government involvement in the economy is the best way for liberty and
the economy to prosper.

Purpose & Powers of The government exists to protect the institution of free trade and to protect private
Government property. Also protects the people from each other.

Relationship between The people should always be wary of what the government is doing and question its
Government & the actions. Believed a well-educated population could prevent a government from becoming
People tyrannical.

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA

Society Believed the wealth of the nation should be spread among the population and believed in
education for the people.

Foreign Policy The United States should remain neutral unless acting in self-defense or protecting its
principles.

Part II:​ Based on Jefferson’s vision for America prior to his terms as president, how would you
expect him to respond to the following situations?
Scenario Predicted Response
When Jefferson takes office, there are several federal Jefferson diverts money away from the army and into the
taxes still on the books from Washington and Adams’ debt while slashing all taxes.
presidencies, including the whiskey tax. Hamilton’s
Bank of the United States collects these taxes, issues
money, pays debts and loans money to businesses &
individuals. The US is $83 million in debt at the start of
his presidency. Most of the federal budget goes to the
army and navy and to paying interest on loans.

Right before leaving office, Adams signed the Judiciary Protest the lack of a republican perspective and deny
Act of 1801 and appointed Federalist judges to many judgeship to John Marshall.
federal courts, including John Marshall. Marshall had
not yet received his official commission when Jefferson
took office and has asked Jefferson’s administration to
deliver his commission to make his judgeship official.

Barbary Pirates attack and capture US merchant ships, Pay the pirates to protect free trade or advise merchants
stealing their cargoes and enslaving crew members. avoid the area.
They demand tribute payment to stop the attacks.

Napoleon of France offers 827,987 square miles of Take the land, due to being such a good deal and Jefferson
French Louisiana to the US for $15 million. There is no lacks respect for the authority of the government.
Constitutional provision for the federal government’s
acquisition of land from foreign governments.

In 1791, slaves on the French island of St. Domingue Ignore the requests and continue to remain a neutral nation
(Haiti) revolt. Washington had sent aid to the whites on

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA

the island, but Adams’ administration chose to aid the
revolt’s leader, ​Toussaint L’Ouverture, against the
whites and their British allies. When Jefferson
takes office, L’Ouverture has ordered the
execution of whites on the island and southerners
are afraid of a slave revolt spreading to the US.
L’Ouverture requests aid and recognition as an
independent republic from Jefferson.

Britain and France are at war again, and British ships Pull out of the region and advise merchants to not trade
have been attacking US ships and impressing some there, remaining neutral above all else.
sailors. Off the coast of Virginia, the British naval ship
The Leopard​, attacks and boards the US ​Chesapeake,​
looking for British navy deserters. Many Americans are
demanding war.

In 1808, Congress passes a law outlawing the Jefferson signs the bill to outlaw the slave trade, due to
international slave trade. Jefferson must sign it for it to slaves no longer being necessary for person sustenance.
go into effect.

As the US expands westward, settlers increasingly move Jefferson respects the communities of indians and does not
into Indian territory. Washington had attempted to trample on their territory.
negotiate treaties and gradually “civilize” Native
Americans in American society. Many Native American
tribes do not want to sign treaties or assimilate into
American society.

Created by Catherine Brown, Cedar Shoals HS, GA