Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom

Statesman, scientist, architect, president—he was America’s dashing Renaissance man; but his personal affairs suggest a life that was anything but perfect.

As member of the Continental Congress, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. As President he fought tirelessly for free speech and U.S. expansion. As a gentleman farmer he studied botany, meteorology, and designed the magnificent Monticello.

But outside of public life, Jefferson was a different man. Did he really father several illegitimate children by his slave, Sally Hemmings? Was he involved in a messy affair while serving as Minister to France? Why did he die with debts of over $100,000?

Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom would be useful for classes on American History, Political Science, Civics and Western Civilization. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• acquiesce
• advocate
• benign
• complexity
• conciliatory
• concubine
• conjecture
• crucible
• excoriate
• heresy
• idealistic
• inevitable
• lavishly
• mellifluous
• paraphrase
• partisan
• philosopher
• pragmatic
• proficient
• quest
• reputed
• surrogate
• tenaciously

1. What was Thomas Jefferson’s most important contribution to America?

2. American democracy was known as “the great experiment.” Why was the formation of American democracy and government a “great experiment?”

3. Jefferson attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. What were the influences of the men who served as Jefferson’s professors at the college? How did his professors influence his life well beyond his college days?

4. Jefferson petitioned for the gradual emancipation of slavery, yet he himself owned many slaves. How can you reconcile Jefferson’s attempts at emancipation with his status as a slave owner?

5. Why was the Declaration of Independence considered to be such a radical document?

6. Although the founding fathers agreed on an independent America, they disagreed on the best course of government for the new nation. What were the different political philosophies of men, such as Jefferson, and others, such as Alexander Hamilton?

7. In 1800, Jefferson was elected president. Historians refer to this election as the Revolution of 1800. Why do historians consider Jefferson’s election a “revolution?”

8. How did Jefferson’s purchase of the Louisiana Territory determine the future of America?

9. What is the legacy of Thomas Jefferson? What do Americans owe this man?

1. Write a biography of Thomas Jefferson that explains his significance in American history.

2. Imagine that you are Thomas Jefferson and you are asked to write the Declaration of Independence. Create an outline of the ideals you wish to convey to your fellow countrymen and countrywomen.

3. Moderate a class discussion about Jefferson’s ideology regarding the separation of church and state.

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Air Dates

• June 29, 2004