Awesome article! Information like this has been lost to the general public, I guess that is the reason we are going back through the cycle. It seems like everything in this Universe, this reality is in a cycle.
From ChatGPT:
Thomas Jefferson had a complex relationship with the United States Constitution, as he was not directly involved in drafting it—he was serving as the U.S. Minister to France during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. However, he closely followed the developments and later shared his views, both positive and critical.
Jefferson’s Support for the Constitution
Appreciation for a Stronger Union
Jefferson recognized the need for a stronger central government than what existed under the Articles of Confederation, which he believed were too weak to maintain order and unity among the states.
Checks and Balances
He appreciated the system of checks and balances built into the Constitution, which he believed could prevent the concentration of power in any one branch of government.
Jefferson’s Concerns and Criticisms
Lack of a Bill of Rights
Jefferson’s most significant concern was the absence of explicit protections for individual rights in the original Constitution. In an 1787 letter to James Madison, he wrote:
"A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth... and what no just government should refuse."
His advocacy was instrumental in the later adoption of the Bill of Rights (1791), the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect freedoms like speech, religion, and due process.
Fear of Centralized Power
Jefferson was wary of a strong central government, fearing it could evolve into tyranny. He believed in the principle of limited government and preferred more power to remain with the states and the people.
Concern About the Presidency
Jefferson expressed concern that the presidency could become too powerful, potentially resembling a monarchy. He wanted safeguards to ensure the president would be accountable to the people.
Jefferson’s Vision for the Constitution
Jefferson believed the Constitution should be adaptable and not treated as a rigid, permanent document. He famously stated:
"Every constitution... naturally expires at the end of 19 years... because the earth belongs always to the living generation."
Conclusion
Jefferson viewed the Constitution as an essential framework but emphasized the need for continual vigilance to protect individual liberties. His influence helped ensure the addition of the Bill of Rights, which addressed many of his concerns. He remained committed to the idea that government should serve the people and be subject to change as needed for the public good.
Awesome article! Information like this has been lost to the general public, I guess that is the reason we are going back through the cycle. It seems like everything in this Universe, this reality is in a cycle.
From ChatGPT:
Thomas Jefferson had a complex relationship with the United States Constitution, as he was not directly involved in drafting it—he was serving as the U.S. Minister to France during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. However, he closely followed the developments and later shared his views, both positive and critical.
Jefferson’s Support for the Constitution
Appreciation for a Stronger Union
Jefferson recognized the need for a stronger central government than what existed under the Articles of Confederation, which he believed were too weak to maintain order and unity among the states.
Checks and Balances
He appreciated the system of checks and balances built into the Constitution, which he believed could prevent the concentration of power in any one branch of government.
Jefferson’s Concerns and Criticisms
Lack of a Bill of Rights
Jefferson’s most significant concern was the absence of explicit protections for individual rights in the original Constitution. In an 1787 letter to James Madison, he wrote:
"A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth... and what no just government should refuse."
His advocacy was instrumental in the later adoption of the Bill of Rights (1791), the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect freedoms like speech, religion, and due process.
Fear of Centralized Power
Jefferson was wary of a strong central government, fearing it could evolve into tyranny. He believed in the principle of limited government and preferred more power to remain with the states and the people.
Concern About the Presidency
Jefferson expressed concern that the presidency could become too powerful, potentially resembling a monarchy. He wanted safeguards to ensure the president would be accountable to the people.
Jefferson’s Vision for the Constitution
Jefferson believed the Constitution should be adaptable and not treated as a rigid, permanent document. He famously stated:
"Every constitution... naturally expires at the end of 19 years... because the earth belongs always to the living generation."
Conclusion
Jefferson viewed the Constitution as an essential framework but emphasized the need for continual vigilance to protect individual liberties. His influence helped ensure the addition of the Bill of Rights, which addressed many of his concerns. He remained committed to the idea that government should serve the people and be subject to change as needed for the public good.