What did Thomas Jefferson promise the people during his campaign?

Question

I don't quite understand this. Can someone sum this down into one paragraph. I jus' need to know what he promised to do in office.

http://jeffersonrepublican.blogspot.com/2007/04/jeffersons-platform.html

Answer 1

First, note that this letter you are looking at was NOT quite a "platform", with an outlining of specific programs (those came much later). But it DOES explain his APPROACH to the main issues between the Federalists and Jefferson's own party in a way that indicates the sort of policies and acts he intends to support as President.

Here's a brief summary of the main thrust of it, but also look below for a summary of most of the specific points --with headings and parts of Jefferson's statement that summarize his stances.

It boils down to:
supporting the national government, and 'America first' (foreign policy, esp. towards France), but insisting that the federal government stay LIMITED in power (not taking over states' rights, no unnecessary spending & debt, no standing army or navy, protecting civil liberties) and 'democratic' (vs. a hereditary elite [esp Senate & President]).

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1. (Affirms Support for the Constitution) I wish an inviolable preservation of our present federal constitution, according to the true sense in which it was adopted by the States; I am opposed to monarchising its features. . .with a view to conciliate a first transition to a President & Senate for life. [Jefferson argues for a more 'democratic' principle and opposes a system of elite rule that he fears Federalists are trying to institute.]

2. (States' rights) - for preserving to the States the powers not yielded by them to the Union (not letting the federal government usurp the states' rights)

3. (Economic Policy - NOT spend a lot or run up debt) - for a government rigorously frugal & simple, applying all the possible savings of the public revenue to the discharge of the national debt.

4. (Militia, NO standing peace time army or navy) - for relying, for internal defence, on our militia solely, till actual invasion, and for such a naval force only as may protect our coasts and harbors from such depredations as we have experienced.

5. (Foreign Policy: Supports Free trade with all, but will avoid becoming 'entangled' in European quarrels) - I am for free commerce with all nations; political connection with none; & little or no diplomatic establishment. And I am not for linking ourselves by new treaties with the quarrels of Europe.

6. (Supports Civil liberties of religion, (political) speech) I am for freedom of religion, & against a legal ascendancy of one sect over another: for freedom of the press, & against all violations of the constitution to silence by force the complaints or criticisms of our citizens. [the last part is directed against the Alien and SEDITION Acts]

7. (Attitude toward France) Jefferson concludes by explaining his attitude toward FRANCE -- Jefferson had supported the French Revolution and was accused and looked down on for a strong pro-French bias. He insists he has wished them well, but acknowledges their wrongs against America (specifically vs. American trade). He does not, however, believe that war was the proper solution (and there was at the time a "Quasi-War" going on against France). Above all, his devotion is to his OWN nation, and he will ONLY prefer other nations based on their actions toward the U.S.

Answer 2

1. He wanted to keep the Federal government from getting too big for its britches -- to keep it subservient to the States as was spelled out in the Constitution.

2. He wanted to keep the Army and Navy small, thereby holding down Federal spending, thereby keeping taxes low.

3. He wanted the Federal government to avoid becoming involved in other nations’ disputes.

4. He wanted the Federal government to let every person worship Deity however he chooses.

5. He wanted to keep the Federal government from interfering with anyone's right to speak his mind, especially when someone was dissatisfied with a Federal official and wanted to tell him off.

6. He wanted to keep the Federal government from interfering with scientists and philosophers.

Answer 3

not to fornicate any more with black women