Jefferson was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and natural rights, and he produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels Jefferson was born into the colony of virginia 's planter class, dependent on slave labor. Thomas jefferson was the third president of the united states, who also drafted the declaration of independence and served as the first secretary of state As president, he was responsible for the louisiana purchase He was also the founder and architect of the university of virginia. Thomas jefferson is widely considered the patron saint of america’s most sacred beliefs, and the central figure in the story of american democracy
Jefferson began working as a lawyer in 1767. Discover the remarkable life of thomas jefferson and his enduring impact on american history Explore his early years, political achievements, and legacy. A prominent figure of the american revolution. Jefferson's most fundamental political belief was an absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority. stemming from his deep optimism in human reason, jefferson believed that the will of the people, expressed through elections, provided the most appropriate guidance for directing the republic's course. In the summer of 1776, thomas jefferson arrived in philadelphia to help define a new nation — even as his own life embodied the inequalities of enslavement.