Roger Murphy
Mrs. Fatheree
American Literature I
19 November 2014
Why We Should Study Thomas Jefferson. “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This quote, written by Thomas Jefferson, comes from the Declaration of Independence which the United States of America was founded upon. This is one of the most important documents in America, and he was the author that is a major reason why students should study his literary works and accomplishments. He was the third president of America and worked for the government throughout most of his life. This most important piece of work that Thomas Jefferson is known for is the Declaration of Independence. This could be consider the most important piece of work in the United States. It was written at the end of the American Revolution which gave us independence from Great Britain. His work is what our government is still built on today with self-government and a fair judicial system. Also, Jefferson’s Autobiography is important for student to study because it show the two different drafts of the Declaration of Independence. It explains in the first draft that Jefferson wanted to include a statement against slavery, but congress did not tolerate that being in the Declaration. In order to be the author of the Declaration, he had to make a second daft with out the part against slavery in it. This showed how the congress was not ready to abolish slavery yet. Jefferson work Virginia Statue for Religion Freedom is a great statement on religious freedom, which America still fully believes in. His works are not the only reason why he should remain in the syllabus; he played many important roles