Thomas Jefferson's Political Career
Thomas Jefferson had a thriving career in politics. He was a member of the Virginia House Burgesses, Governor of Virginia, he authored the Declaration of Independence, served as a Minster to France, he was Secretary of State under George Washington until his resignation in 1793, Vice President under President John Adams, and he was the third President of the United States of America from 1801 until 1809. He was also the founder of the Democratic-Republican party, among other things.
He believed that the best government is one that governs the least. "That government is best which governs the least." is a famous quote by Thomas Jefferson, stating his political belief that a strong federal government was not what America needed. He believed that the state's should have most of the power. He also had confidence in the average man, believing that the average citizens should rule the government, not the well educated and wealthy, as the Federalist party believed. He also believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, believing a position did not have the power to do something if it was not specifically stated in the Constitution. This was a little hypocritical, because the Constitution did not say the President could purchase land to expand the nation, yet he bought the Louisiana Territory from the French for $15 million dollars.
The Attractions
The main attraction of this room is a room with a representation of the national debt during his presidency, compared to the amount of money he spent on the Louisiana Territory, buying it from the French. Along the walls are videos and descriptions of his jobs and achievements in American politics along with his successes and failures.
Thomas Jefferson had a thriving career in politics. He was a member of the Virginia House Burgesses, Governor of Virginia, he authored the Declaration of Independence, served as a Minster to France, he was Secretary of State under George Washington until his resignation in 1793, Vice President under President John Adams, and he was the third President of the United States of America from 1801 until 1809. He was also the founder of the Democratic-Republican party, among other things.
He believed that the best government is one that governs the least. "That government is best which governs the least." is a famous quote by Thomas Jefferson, stating his political belief that a strong federal government was not what America needed. He believed that the state's should have most of the power. He also had confidence in the average man, believing that the average citizens should rule the government, not the well educated and wealthy, as the Federalist party believed. He also believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, believing a position did not have the power to do something if it was not specifically stated in the Constitution. This was a little hypocritical, because the Constitution did not say the President could purchase land to expand the nation, yet he bought the Louisiana Territory from the French for $15 million dollars.
The Attractions
The main attraction of this room is a room with a representation of the national debt during his presidency, compared to the amount of money he spent on the Louisiana Territory, buying it from the French. Along the walls are videos and descriptions of his jobs and achievements in American politics along with his successes and failures.