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American History Jefferson's First Address Essay

3. Jefferson was one of the proponents of the notion that the most effective government is that which governs least. As such, the former president was definitely in favor of circumscribing the role of the federal government, particularly in the daily affairs of the people who elect its specific individuals to power. In this speech, Jefferson made certain to mention the fact that the government he was presiding over would be a "frugal" one, that would be limited in its effect on the type of work and industry that people performed, as well as on the earnings that people garnered for the application of their industry. He also advocated, within this document, a limited central government that would leave it to the discretion of the individual people to make changes and improvements in their lives -- both in an individual and in a collective sense. These are some common tenets that Jefferson...

The general theme of Jefferson's speech is one of egalitarianism, individual and states' rights, and autonomy for the common man who comprises the bulk of the nation. Although recognizing that the majority rules, Jefferson never forgets that "minorities possess their equal rights." Furthermore, the President believes the law that serves the majority is an "equal law" which "must protect" the rights of the minority. Moreover, he believes that the principle means of going about ensuring the rights of all and treating everyone equitably resides with the power of the government -- or, more specifically, with the circumscription of the power of that government. The author states that the "sum of good government" is to "restrain men from inuring one another" and otherwise leave them allow to their own pursuits as their ability can see fit for them.

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