I think that Thomas Jefferson most properly defines "America" we know because his "the Declaration of Independence" contains the fundamental principles of current American government system. "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed (p. 342)." These words sound like Jefferson expresses the ideals of American republicanism which is the ideology of governing a nation as a democracy. In addition, the phrase "all men are created equal (p. 342)" seems to describe the democratic idea which emphasizes equal rights. As a matter of fact, the concept that government should guarantee "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (p. 342)" of the people is now universal. His ideas actually had a great impact on Europe as well as America; it became a powerful driving force of the French Revolution. "The Declaration of Independence" drafted by thirty-three year old Thomas Jefferson changed the world as well as America. There is the spirit of "the Declaration of Independence" in my country Japan today. Article thirteen of Japan's constitution states "Their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness within the limits of the general welfare shall be the supreme consideration of all law and of all government action." Jefferson might define an ideal "world" for the people who love freedom and equality.Hiroe Oiri
Hiroe, I completely agree. I put something very similar to this. I believe America is founded upon what is stated in the Declaration of Independence,and is best defined in the way in which we live our lives today. We are very protective of using our rights, and do not know it any other way. The declaration is also brought up in many legal matters as well. Without the Declaration America would not have the structure it has today.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% that Jefferson defines America. You can mention the name Thomas Jefferson to the majority of our country and they will relate him back to the Declaration of Independence and that great impact he had on our country. Jefferson wanted freedom and he went for it. He is the reason for a lot that has happened in our country and America looks at the Declaration of Independence a lot.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that Thomas Jefferson defines America the most as we know it today. Jefferson had many accomplishments but the Declaration of Independence was the most important. His writing of the declaration changed America completely. He was the 3rd president of the United States, a lawyer, a architect, and did much more. He did many things in his life-time that made an incredible impact on the country. Thanks to Jefferson’s unselfishness and courageousness America became an independent country.
ReplyDeleteHirio I agree, Thomas Jefferson was very influential in defining America. His writing of the Declaration of Independence I believe was the most important part in this. He was a very versatile man. He accomplish many thing in a lifetime. He was a very impressive man people seem to listen to what he would say. Even though he had slaves himself he was very sensitive to the fact that they should have basic human rights. Putting the ideas out there that slaves should not be I believe help to where we are today.
ReplyDelete