The Radical Political Philosophy Of Thomas Jefferson

While trying to gather resources for the bibliography, I employed various search terms and databases to find my sources and experienced problems along the way. To begin the process, I first tried to narrow down the three sources I wanted to use. I used Wake Tech’s libguides, specifically the academic search complete, the history reference center, and credo reference. To find “The Radical Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson,” I logged onto academic search complete and was directed to Ebsco host. I typed “Thomas and Jefferson” in the search box under Boolean search terms, and narrowed my search down to peer-reviewed scholarly journals. I spent time looking through each article to make sure I found one that contained vast information and

“The Radical Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson.” Midwest Studies in Philosophy 28.1 (2004): 37-57. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Oct. 2014.
In “The Radical Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson,” Richard K. Matthews discusses Jefferson’s political beliefs during his presidency, beginning with his view of owning property. Jefferson believed every white male American citizen has a right to farm land and, at one point, even proposed allowing the government to give 50 acres of property to any white non-property owning male (47). Jefferson also believed every young person should have the ability to make his own political decisions, and thus should be able to decide what do with land he may or may not have (47). Jefferson stressed the rights of liberty, freedom, happiness, and no intrusive government during his presidency, despite not considering liberty for women and enslaved individuals, both of whom did not experience freedom (53). Jefferson also believed the country would always be in a state of turmoil, and such chaos created a powerful political system

Jefferson had hoped this would, in part, create an everlasting revolution. Jefferson wanted each individual in each generation to be able to tailor their own government and, if need be, create a revolution. Jefferson believed every generation should have their own form of government, a political philosophy that few shared with him (49). During his time, Jefferson expressed disappointment at the lack of revolution, and said that in order to have liberty, people have to die (56). Jefferson could not envision a proper government without bloodshed; he believed a government needed bloodshed in order to enact change (56). This information relates to the thesis because it demonstrates the kind of beliefs Jefferson held during his presidency, and what may have motivated him to behave in certain ways. This information gives an explanation for Jefferson’s behavior and the reasons behind his actions. By historians knowing this information, they can perhaps understand why Jefferson instituted certain policies and regulations as president. The thesis is developed because once this information has been found, the thesis does not become as broad. This information can be used to determine whether historians believe Jefferson was a good president. This information helps the thesis become developed as the reader leans more about