(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Thomas Jefferson


Jefferson's bill stated, .
             "That all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions on matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." (.).
             Many Virginians thought the bill was an attack on Christianity. It did not pass until 1786 with the help of James Madison. Jefferson congratulated Madison, saying that "it is honorable for us to have produced the first legislature who had the courage to declare that the reason of man may be trusted with the formation of his own opinions." .
             Dudash 3.
             In June 1779, Jefferson was elected governor of Virginia. His political enemies criticized him as war governor constantly. They say he failed to provide for the adequate defense of Richmond in 1780-81. In June 1781 he retired from being governor. The Virginia assembly then voted that "an inquiry be made into the conduct of the executive of this state." Jefferson was forgiven. (Herringshaw p.96).
             From 1784 to 1789, Jefferson lived in France. He was sent to Paris initially as a commissioner to help negotiate treaties, and then in 1785 he followed Benjamin Franklin as minister to France. Most European countries, however, were indifferent to American economic approaches. Only one country, Prussia, signed a pact based on a model treaty drafted by Jefferson. .
             During these years Jefferson followed events in the United States with interest. He was against any harsh punishment of those involved with Shay's Rebellion in Massachusetts. (Herringshaw p 113) He worried particularly that the new Constitution of the United States lacked a bill of rights and failed to limit the number of terms for the presidency. In France he witnessed the beginning of the French Revolution. His advice was that France follow the British system of constitutional monarchy. .
             When Jefferson left Paris on Sept. 26, 1789, he expected to return to his position.


Essays Related to Thomas Jefferson


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question