LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson laid the foundation for his views on how the government should be run.  These ideas eventually became known as Jeffersonian democracy, which stressed a strict following of the Constitution.  Before going into these ideas however, Jefferson starts of his speech explaining how greatly honored he is to be elected to this position, and even modestly states how he believes "the task is above my talents".  He continues by saying how grateful he is to head this "rising nation".  Even in the opening he mentions the Constitution and how he will look to it for wisdom.

Next Jefferson describes how the Constitution has set government up to assure that the will of the majority will prevail.  He makes sure to mention that the minority will still be granted equal rights in all cases.  Jefferson then explains how political intolerance can be detrimental to the nation, and that it cannot be allowed.  He talks about how at the core everyone is a Federalist and a Republican because everyone wants to keep a strong united nation.  He exclaims that the U.S.'s government is truly "the strongest government on earth".

Jefferson then describes how a great government like the one of the United States restrains men from hurting each other, yet still allows enough freedom for men to regulate their own  pursuits in business, and enjoy the rewards for hard work.

Jefferson begins to wrap up his speech by listing the many rights that the Constitution gives the people, calling them "vital principles of republics".  This list includes having a "well-disciplined militia,...honest payment of our debts,...encouragement of agriculture...freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries impartially selected."  All these follow the ideas of Jeffersonian democracy.

Jefferson concludes his address by warning the American people that he is no perfect man, and will surely make some mistakes along the way "through defect of judgment".  He also realizes that even when he believes he has made a right decision, there will be people with differing opinions who believe he is wrong.  He asks that the American people to be kind to others even when they have opposed views or are in the wrong.  Lastly, Jefferson says that he will now get to work and will be ready to retire when the people feel the time has come.