Thomas Jefferson: The Political Life
Thomas Jefferson is one of the most iconic figures in American history. He was a founding father and the third President of the United States who is remembered for his impactful contributions in many fields. As one of the most influential politicians in American history, Thomas Jefferson’s political life and career are well worth exploring and understanding.
A brief Overview of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was a prominent statesman, political philosopher and the third President of the United States (1801-1809). Born in Virginia, Jefferson studied law and spent most of his adult life as a lawyer, politician and statesman advocating for many revolutionary ideas such as religious freedom and the separation of powers. He became very influential during the American Revolution and was eventually appointed as the first United States Secretary of State during the George Washington Administration. When he was elected as the third president of the United States in 1801 he accomplished many things during his two terms and reinvigorated and strengthened the American political system.
Thomas Jefferson’s Early Life
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13th, 1743 into a prosperous Virginia planter family. At the age of nine, Jefferson lost his father which led him to move and live with an aunt until he attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. Like his father before him, Jefferson practiced law, becoming a successful lawyer in Richmond and a masterful negotiator in the Virginia General Assembly.
Revolutionary Work Prior to Becoming President
In 1775, Thomas Jefferson was elected to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where he authored the Declaration of Independence which declared the independence of the United States from the British Crown. This document has become one of the most iconic and influential documents in world history and motivated the American Revolution. During the Revolution, Jefferson successfully negotiated a treaty with neighboring France, showing his adept skills as a negotiator.
After the war, he continued to take a prominent role in the government, becoming the first United States Secretary of State under the George Washington administration. As Secretary of State, Jefferson made it is a priority to spread the ideas of the Revolution. Specifically, he promoted religious freedom and the separation of governmental powers. He also developed the concept of a federal role in managing economic policies and formulated the foundation of the nation’s banking system.
Jefferson Legacy as President
Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican who won the 1800 election and became the third President of the United States in 1801. One of his greatest accomplishments as President was the purchase of Louisiana from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the nation. During his two terms, Jefferson abolished the Internal Revenue Service, established the Library of Congress, and signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves in 1807, thus finally abolishing America’s involvement in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Formed the Embargo Act of 1807 to use economic warfare against France and Britain, he also built a library of over 7,000 volumes, one of the largest private library in the world at that time. Jefferson also was a passionate advocate for education and economic development, attempting to create the University of Virginia along with many other notable accomplishments.
Jefferson and the Judicial System
During his presidency, one of Thomas Jefferson’s main goals was to limit government power. To achieve this, he advocated, as well as implemented, various reforms to the American judicial system. For instance, Jefferson limited the traditional practice of trying cases in colonial courts and sought to establish a more uniform law system across the states. He also sought to empower the Supreme Court, which eventually led to the creation of the federal judicial system.
Thomas Jefferson’s Legacy
The legacy of Thomas Jefferson and his many accomplishments have long been remembered. He is remembered for the Louisiana Purchase, his visionary views for the political and religious freedom, and his commitment to the development of education and learning. Though not an ideal president and have having many flaws, Thomas Jefferson is still considered one of the nation’s founding fathers and a prominent leader of the Republic.
Thomas Jefferson’s political life was incredibly influential for the nation and even the world. His beliefs and accomplishments still have a great impact on America to this day and have left a lasting legacy in various fields. From his involvement in the creation of the Declaration of Independence, to his early supporting of religious freedom and the modern federal judicial system, Jefferson’s political career has had a lasting impact that still shape America today.
