In fact, Jefferson even worried that the Constitution itself did not give the federal government the authority to expand territory (Morris, 1967). This Founding Father did not want to the federal government having too much power. .According to the textbook, Jefferson’s thought and personality have influenced his countrymen more deeply than any other American (Perkins, 2009). After serving two terms as president, he returned to his home and later helped with founding the University of Virginia.
We all know that Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father, but now I want to turn your attention to his literature that has so greatly influenced the country that we know and love today. He authored many pieces, but two of the most influential are the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Thomas Jefferson was the main author on the committee appointed to construct the Declaration of Independence (Commager, 1963). In that time the document was referred to “The Unanimous …show more content…
This document is about the freedom of conscience and the important principle of separation of church and state and was also the forerunner of the First Amendment. Where would we be today without the freedom of religion? This document has played a large role in getting the United States where it is today. Without this document, we wouldn’t be able to practice religion freely. One of the great things about the United States is the freedom of religion; many countries do not have this freedom that we are blessed to have thanks to Jefferson. His document did not only impact those who read it when it was first drafted, but also impacts every United States citizen. The second paragraph in this pivotal document states that no person can be compelled to attend any church or support it with his taxes (US, 1786). It goes on to say that an individual is free to worship as he pleases with no discrimination (“Virginia Historical Society”). It not only says that people can worship as they please, but also people should not be forced to worship or support any religion or church. Thanks to this great man of history, we have more freedoms than any other