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JEFFERSONIAN DEMOCRACY
>(comments) I am currently researching Jeffersonian Democracy, and I was wondering if >you have any information My suggestion would be to study the website: Thomas Jefferson on Politics & Government http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/ Over 2,700 excerpts from Jefferson's writings under 55 topics provide a complete outline of Jefferson's political philosophy and explain the founding principles of American self-government. This site contains an exposition of Jeffersonian democracy in Jefferson's own words. Needless to say, the literature in print is vast. Many historians assert that Jefferson had no consistent, organized philosophy of government. My answer to them is, "Here it is." When Jefferson wrote late in life that his principles are the same that they have been since 1775, and were the same as those held by the vast majority of the American people, I think we could conclude that HE thought he had a consistent philosophy of government. Probably the main reason why some historians say he had no consistent philosophy is because they don't understand it. You also might be interested in the website: Life of Thomas Jefferson, by B. L. Rayner http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/1683/ljindex.htm Rayner's lively and interesting full-length biography, published in 1834, emphasizes the role of republican principles in Jefferson's life and thought. It contains many excerpts from Jefferson's writings as well as anecdotes taken from the writings of those who knew Jefferson. It presents a dramatic and passionate portrayal of Jefferson's life, with special emphasis on his contributions to the creation of the American republic. The book is completely revised and corrected, and is divided into 39 chapters. Jefferson, by the way, spoke more often of "republicanism," and rarely used the term "democracy." I hope that helps. Good luck, Eyler Coates