Thomas Jefferson First Inaugural Address Summary

Essay 2 Blinn US History: “Thomas Jefferson: First Inaugural Address, 1801” In his first Inaugural Address Thomas Jefferson is addressing the nation and presenting topics necessary for moving the country forward into the 19th century. He believed that unity between opposing parties and of the people, upholding of the Constitution, and not being involved in alliances with any countries would advance the country forward towards success and greatness. Jefferson’s first topic he focuses on is the belief that unity is the sole reason that great nations exist. Nothing can be accomplished without unity of nation. Jefferson stated, “Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind” (Commager 134). Jefferson understands the need

Jefferson states that, “During the contest of opinion through which we have passed the animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose to strangers unused to think freely and to speak and to write what they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation , announced accordingly to the rules of the Constitution, all will, of course, arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good”(Commager 134). Jefferson believes that the reason America has gotten to the point it has to this day is the rights and liberties the Constitution gives the states and citizens. He makes a connection to the Pre-revolutionary time in the statement when he tells of the strangers which can’t even dream of the rights every citizen possesses in America. These individual rights he speaks of are the reason, which this country was established on, and he believes they must be upheld in order for the nation to continue progressing forward. He believes strongly in all the rights which and due to the citizens, and in the states’ rights to the power not given to the Federal Government in the Constitution. These states rights are what he believes gives the individual states their power in defining the future of the country they make