Using Source 1, Source 3, and Source 4, which statement best explains how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson influenced the political development of the United States?
Source 3
Adapted from President Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1801)
Bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to win, that will must be reasonable. The minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect.
Let us with courage and confidence pursue our own Federal and Republican principles. A wise and careful Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to determine their own pursuits and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.
It is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government: Equal and exact justice to all men. Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none. The support of the State governments in all their rights. Care of the right of election by the people. Absolute acceptance in the decisions of the majority. A well-disciplined militia. Encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce. Freedom of religion. Freedom of the press. Trial by juries impartially selected. These principles have guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.
Source 4
Adapted from a Letter from Thomas Jefferson to David Howell (1810)
This excerpt is from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in response to his friend David Howell. Howell had requested that Jefferson support Rhode Island’s governor, James Fenner, a Democrat-Republican.
Dear Sir,
I learn with pleasure that republican principles are important in your state. I honestly believe that governments founded in them are most friendly to the happiness of the people at large; and especially of a people so capable of self government as ours. I have been ever opposed to the party so falsely called federalists, because I believe they want to introduce into our government authorities otherwise independent of the national will. These always consume the taxes paid by the people and oppress¹ the people with labor and poverty.
¹oppress: burden
Question 4 options:
Both men helped build a federal government that would protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.
Both men promoted the idea that the federal government should have more power when forming policies.
Both men believed that a separation of powers in state governments would weaken their effectiveness.
Both men worked to ensure that the opinions of state and local governments were considered when creating laws.
