FREE ESSAY ON FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND THOMAS JEFFERSON

FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND THOMAS JEFFERSON

Frederick Douglass and Thomas Jefferson
The many terrible cruelties and treacheries that compose the institution of slavery are
exposed through Frederick Douglass's self narrated story of his life. The book is very
political, in that it is written to advocate the cruelties of the institution of slavery,
and gain support for its abolition. Douglass analyzes the many different elements that
allowed whites to keep control of their institution. I believe that Douglass would be
strongly influenced by Thomas Jefferson's political ideals and government.
One of the fundamental paradoxes of Jefferson's personal and political life has been his
attitude towards life. Although he owned slaves, he eventually tried to abolish slavery
in the western territories that were being added to the United States.
Thomas Jefferson is most well known for his part in writing the Declaration of
Independence. He has contributed greatly to the building of our government. He was also a
remarkable man who set fourth the basic ideals and beliefs in government that have stayed
the same for over two hundred years. Jefferson believed that states could best govern the
domestic matters within its state, but a strong Central Government is needed as well to
deal with foreign affairs and to keep the country strong as a unified nation. He once
stated, "While smaller governments are better adapted to the ordinary objects of society,
larger confederations more effectively secure independence and the preservation of
republican government"(Jefferson 76). What he was saying in this quote is that small
governments like our state and our towns are the best fit to deal with the concerns of
the people. In turn helping the people live the best and happiest lives possible. 
As well as being a believer in states rights Jefferson felt that the constitution should
be strictly obeyed. "The preservation of the general government in its whole
constitutional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad I deem
the essential principles of our government, and consequently those with ought to shape
its administration. He thought that the government as a whole could not do anything that
was not put under their responsibilities in the Constitution. He believed in strict
interpretation of the Constitution. Even though he felt this way, he was forced to go
against this view when it came to the Louisiana Purchase. The right to purchase lands was
not given to the president in the Constitution, but Jefferson saw a great opportunity to
expand this great nation. He went beyond the Constitution because it was for the benefit
of the country and the people.
Additionally, Jefferson strongly believed in a democratic form of government. Where the
people could participate and be governed as they see fit. The easiest way to make your
point is to be governed by a smaller government like our states and towns. The individual
has an easier way to change their government if it is smaller. This is why Jefferson
thought that as many issues as possible should be left up to the states. 
Being the great man he was, he was also able to see that uniting all the states in one
"confederation" would benefit all the states and the people. Through his belief that the
government is in place to better the lives of the people over which it rules came his
belief that government should not do more than is outlined in the Constitution, in order
to keep it in check. The government should know its limits and not intrude on the rights
of the people by reaching beyond its limits. Thomas Jefferson was eloquent advocator of
the rights of people, role in government, and as the government's role in society