Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was an American statesman and political philosopher, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809.

John Adams: John Adams was an American founder, diplomat, and the second president of the United States. A fellow revolutionary who became Jefferson’s vice president, political rival, and later correspondent.
Louisiana Purchase: The 1803 acquisition of a vast territory from France that roughly doubled the area of the United States. Jefferson’s administration made this expansion its defining achievement, despite constitutional doubts.
Declaration of Independence: The 1776 document in which the American colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Jefferson drafted its central text, including its enduring claim about human equality.
Federalism: A political system that divides authority between a central government and regional governments. Jefferson’s states’ rights arguments often opposed expansive interpretations of national power.
James Madison: James Madison was an American statesman, principal author of the Constitution, and fourth president of the United States. Jefferson’s close political ally, whose constitutional arguments helped define their party.
Lewis and Clark Expedition: The 1804–1806 expedition that explored the Missouri River and routes across the western United States. Jefferson commissioned it to survey the acquired territory and seek routes to the Pacific.
American Revolution: The political and military struggle in which thirteen British colonies established the United States. Jefferson’s public career emerged from the Revolution’s break with British rule.
Anti-Federalism: A movement opposing ratification of the United States Constitution without stronger protections for individual liberties. Jefferson shared some Anti-Federalist concerns about concentrated power but was not a leading ratification opponent.
Alexander Hamilton: Alexander Hamilton was an American founder and the first secretary of the treasury. His vision of strong federal power and commercial development opposed Jefferson’s political priorities.
Embargo Act of 1807: A United States law that prohibited most foreign trade in an attempt to avoid war. Jefferson’s effort to pressure Britain and France instead inflicted severe damage on American commerce.

Linked from 74 pages