Thomas Jefferson: Political Philosophy

In his First Inaugural Address (1801), Jefferson lists the “essential principles of our Government” in 15 doctrines—perhaps his first attempt at a definition of republicanism ([I₁]: 494–95).

1. Equal and exact justice to all men, irrespective of political or religious persuasion;
2. peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, without entangling alliances to any;
3. Federal support in the rights of states’ government;
4. preservation of constitutional vigor of the Federal government;
5. election by the people;
6. absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority;
7. a well-disciplined militia;
8. supremacy of the civil over the military authority;
9. light taxation;
10. ready payment of debts;
11. encouragement of agriculture and commerce;
12. the diffusion of information and arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the public reason;
13. freedom of the press;
14. protection by habeas corpus and trial by juries impartially selected; and
15. freedom of religion.

Fifteen years later in a series of letters, Jefferson again grapples with a definition of “republicanism.” To P.S. Dupont de Nemours (24 Apr. 1816), Jefferson lists nine “moral principles” upon which republican government is grounded.

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