Thomas Jefferson and American Exceptionalism Flashcards
What is American exceptionalism?
The belief that the United States holds a unique place in history with a special mission to promote liberty and democracy.
How did Thomas Jefferson contribute to American exceptionalism?
As the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, he emphasized natural rights, self-governance, and the moral superiority of the American political system.
Why did Jefferson believe property ownership was essential for democracy?
He saw independent landowners as the foundation of a free and virtuous republic, ensuring self-reliance and civic responsibility.
What did Jefferson mean by Americans being a “chosen people”?
He believed the U.S. had a divine mission to lead the world in democratic governance, justifying expansionist policies.
How did John Locke’s philosophy influence Jefferson?
Locke’s ideas on natural rights—life, liberty, and property—influenced Jefferson’s emphasis on individual freedoms in the Declaration of Independence.
What contradictions existed in Jefferson’s beliefs and actions?
He owned enslaved people while advocating for equality, supported limited government but expanded federal power through the Louisiana Purchase.
How did Jefferson’s views align with Thomas Hobbes?
While Jefferson emphasized individual liberty, his concerns about factionalism and the need for legal frameworks reflected some Hobbesian ideas about maintaining order.
Why did Jefferson oppose economic inequality?
He feared it could lead to political corruption and the erosion of individual freedoms, advocating for land distribution and opposition to monopolies.
How did industrialization challenge Jefferson’s agrarian vision?
The growth of capitalism and urban industries shifted the U.S. economy away from his ideal of a nation of independent farmers.
What is Jefferson’s lasting impact on American political thought?
His ideas on liberty, democracy, and property shaped American exceptionalism but continue to be debated due to their contradictions and evolving relevance.
