Eleanor Finch
Thomas Jefferson believed that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred and unchangeable. In a letter to Samuel Kercheval in 1816, Jefferson wrote that constitutions should be periodically revised to keep pace with societal progress and changing circumstances. He suggested that the US Constitution should be rewritten every 19 or 20 years, allowing each new generation to choose a form of government that promotes their happiness. Jefferson's views reflect his concern for safeguarding individual liberties and preventing a strong central government from restricting citizens' rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of changing constitutions | Thomas Jefferson believed that the constitution should not be regarded as sacred and unchangeable. He thought that it should be rewritten every 19 or 20 years to keep up with the progress of the human mind and changing circumstances. |
| Bill of rights | Jefferson wanted the new Constitution to be accompanied by a written “bill of rights” to guarantee personal liberties, such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom from standing armies, trial by jury, and habeas corpus. |
| Role of the government | Jefferson recognized that a stronger federal government would make the country more secure economically and militarily, but he feared that a strong central government might become too powerful, restricting citizens’ rights. |
| Electoral College | Jefferson believed in the potential of the people and supported direct democracy, unlike many other Founding Fathers. |
| Amending the constitution | Jefferson was concerned that not everyone in a generation will have their voice heard if a constitution is amended by calling a constitutional convention. |
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What You'll Learn
- Thomas Jefferson believed the US Constitution should be rewritten every 19 or 20 years
- He wanted the new Constitution to be accompanied by a written bill of rights
- Jefferson believed that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred
- He thought laws and institutions must progress with the development of the human mind
- Jefferson believed that each new generation has the right to choose its form of government
Thomas Jefferson believed the US Constitution should be rewritten every 19 or 20 years
Thomas Jefferson, one of the authors of the existing state constitution, believed that the US Constitution should be rewritten every 19 or 20 years. In a letter to Samuel Kercheval on July 12, 1816, Jefferson wrote, "Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched." He believed that the constitution should be amended and repaired by each new generation, stating that "every generation has a right to choose for itself the form of government it believes most promotive of its own happiness."
Jefferson's views on the constitution were shaped by his belief in the popular will and his anti-aristocratic, anti-elitist sentiments. He wanted to guard against complacency and unjust governance, and ensure that the majority of people were not restricted by the laws of their ancestors. He recognized that a stronger federal government would make the country more secure, but he also feared that it might become too powerful and restrict citizens' rights. To prevent this, he advocated for a written "bill of rights" to accompany the Constitution, guaranteeing personal liberties such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom from standing armies, trial by jury, and habeas corpus.
Jefferson's correspondence with James Madison helped convince Madison to introduce a bill of rights into the First Congress. After ratification by the requisite number of states, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, went into effect in 1791. However, Jefferson also recognized that amending the Constitution could be challenging due to the high bar set by the Founding Fathers, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states.
While some have criticized Jefferson's idea of frequently rewriting the Constitution as potentially destabilizing, others argue that it could help prevent a government from becoming out-of-date and suffocated by an outdated social contract. Jefferson himself acknowledged that he was "not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions," but believed that "laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind."
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He wanted the new Constitution to be accompanied by a written bill of rights
Thomas Jefferson's views on the longevity of constitutions were shaped by his belief in the importance of personal liberties and his wariness of a strong central government. He wanted the new Constitution to be accompanied by a written bill of rights to guarantee and protect specific freedoms, such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom from standing armies, the right to a trial by jury, and habeas corpus. This bill of rights, which became the First Amendment, was introduced by James Madison into the First Congress after correspondence and encouragement from Jefferson.
Jefferson's desire for a written bill of rights reflected his recognition of the potential benefits of a stronger federal government while also safeguarding against a too-powerful central authority that could infringe on citizens' rights. He understood that a stronger federal government could bring greater economic and military security to the country. However, he wanted to ensure that individual liberties were protected and that the government could not easily restrict them. By having a written bill of rights, Jefferson sought to make these freedoms explicit and provide a foundation for challenging any attempts by the government to curtail them.
Jefferson's views on the matter were also influenced by his experience as a former president and his involvement in shaping the Virginia state constitution. He understood the complexities of governance and the challenges of creating a functioning republic. Additionally, Jefferson held a deep respect for the popular will, believing that the majority should not be restricted by outdated laws created by their ancestors. This belief further reinforced his desire for a written bill of rights that would empower the people and protect their freedoms.
Jefferson's ideas about the longevity of constitutions were not limited to the inclusion of a bill of rights. He also proposed that constitutions should be periodically revised, suggesting that they should be rewritten or amended every 19 to 20 years to keep pace with societal progress and changing circumstances. In a letter to Samuel Kercheval in 1816, Jefferson expressed his concern that constitutions could become claustrophobic and outdated, hindering societal progress. He likened adhering to an old constitution to a man continuing to wear a coat that fitted him as a boy.
Jefferson's belief in the need for periodic constitutional revision reflected his dynamic perspective on governance. He wanted to ensure that each new generation had the opportunity to shape the laws and institutions that governed them, adapting them to their current needs and values. While he did not advocate for frequent changes, he recognized that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred and unchangeable but rather as living documents that evolve alongside societal advancements.
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Jefferson believed that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred
Thomas Jefferson believed that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred. In a letter to Samuel Kercheval on July 12, 1816, Jefferson wrote, "Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched." He argued that constitutions should be periodically revised to keep pace with the progress of society and the changing needs of the people. Jefferson suggested that the constitution should be torn up and rewritten every 19 or 20 years to ensure that each new generation had the opportunity to shape their own government and laws.
Jefferson's views on the longevity of constitutions were shaped by his belief in the importance of individual liberties and his desire to protect citizens' rights. He recognized the need for a strong federal government to ensure economic and military security, but he also feared that a powerful central government could infringe on citizens' freedoms. To prevent this, he advocated for a written "bill of rights" to accompany the Constitution, guaranteeing personal liberties such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom from standing armies, trial by jury, and habeas corpus.
Jefferson's ideas about constitutional longevity reflect his broader philosophy of government. He believed in a weak national government, as evidenced by his efforts to cut the federal budget and taxes during his presidency. He also sought to reduce the national debt, demonstrating his preference for limited government intervention in economic matters.
Jefferson's proposal for frequent constitutional revision has sparked debate among scholars and commentators. Some argue that regularly rewriting the constitution could lead to instability and leave the country vulnerable to corporate influence and partisan politics. Others defend Jefferson's idea as a way to promote democratic principles, ensure that the constitution remains relevant and responsive to changing societal needs, and guard against complacency and unjust governance.
While Jefferson's specific suggestion of a constitutional "expiration date" has not been adopted, his belief in the importance of adapting laws and institutions to reflect societal progress has had a lasting impact on political thought. His ideas continue to shape discussions around constitutional interpretation and the role of government in ensuring individual liberties.
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He thought laws and institutions must progress with the development of the human mind
Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate for the idea that laws and institutions must progress in tandem with the development of the human mind. In a letter to Samuel Kercheval, dated July 12, 1816, he expressed his belief that constitutions should not be regarded with "sanctimonious reverence" and deemed too sacred to be touched. He argued that laws and institutions must adapt to the changing circumstances and advancements of society. Jefferson's perspective was that constitutions should be periodically revised, suggesting a timeframe of every 19 or 20 years, to ensure they remain relevant and reflect the needs and values of each new generation.
Jefferson's views on the matter were shaped by his experiences and observations. He was aware that the founding fathers, in their focus on eliminating remnants of monarchy, might not have adequately prepared the young nation for the challenges of a dynamic future. He witnessed the evolution of society firsthand, from the aftermath of the revolution to his time as president and beyond. This likely influenced his understanding of the need for flexible and adaptable governance.
Jefferson's belief in the progression of laws and institutions extended beyond mere theory. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Virginia state constitution and advocated for a bill of rights to accompany the new Constitution, ensuring the protection of personal liberties such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom from standing armies, trial by jury, and habeas corpus. These actions demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring that the law adapted to the evolving societal context.
Jefferson's stance on the longevity of constitutions is particularly relevant in the context of his time. The young nation was still finding its footing, and Jefferson recognised the importance of a strong federal government for economic and military security. However, he also understood the potential for a powerful central government to infringe on citizens' rights. This delicate balance between security and liberty may have further informed his belief in the necessity of adaptable laws and institutions.
Jefferson's ideas about the longevity of constitutions continue to resonate today. His concern that the Constitution would be embraced with an inflexibility that hindered its ability to remain current has proven prescient. The Constitution has been amended only sparingly, and Americans have generally been conservative about making changes to it. Jefferson's proposal for periodic constitutional revision, or even a wholesale rewrite every generation, remains a topic of discussion and debate in modern times.
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Jefferson believed that each new generation has the right to choose its form of government
Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Samuel Kercheval on July 12, 1816, expressed his views on the longevity of constitutions. Jefferson believed that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred and unchangeable. He recognized that societies are dynamic and constantly evolving, and thus, their constitutions should also evolve to keep pace with the times.
Jefferson's belief that each new generation has the right to choose its form of government is evident in his statement that "every generation has a right to choose for itself 'the form of government it believes most promotive of its own happiness.'" He suggested that the state constitution should be handed off to the next generation every 19 to 20 years, allowing them to amend and repair it as they see fit. Jefferson's concern was to ensure that the voices of all individuals in a generation were heard and that the constitution remained relevant and reflective of the current societal needs and values.
Jefferson's perspective on the matter was influenced by his experience as one of the original authors of the Virginia state constitution. When approached by Kercheval, who sought his approval for a plan to amend the same constitution, Jefferson responded favorably. He acknowledged that the leaders of the revolution in 1776 had been more focused on removing any traces of monarchy rather than establishing a well-functioning republic.
Jefferson's advocacy for periodic constitutional revision extended beyond the state level. He argued that the U.S. Constitution should also be subject to regular review and potential rewriting. Jefferson suggested that the Constitution should expire every 19 years, allowing for a fresh start and ensuring it remained aligned with the principles and needs of the current generation.
Jefferson's beliefs were rooted in his strong support for popular will and his desire to prevent the restriction of citizens' rights by outdated laws. He wanted to guard against complacency and unjust governance, promoting a dynamic society where laws and institutions advanced alongside the progress of the human mind. Jefferson's ideas on constitutional longevity reflect his broader philosophy of a weak national government, where power is distributed to prevent the central government from becoming too powerful.
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Frequently asked questions
Thomas Jefferson believed that constitutions should not be regarded as sacred and unchangeable. He thought that they should be periodically revised to keep up with the progress of society.
Thomas Jefferson believed that constitutions should be rewritten every 19 or 20 years. He thought that this would prevent society from being constrained by an outdated social contract.
Yes, Thomas Jefferson believed in a written bill of rights to guarantee personal liberties such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom from standing armies, trial by jury, and habeas corpus.
Thomas Jefferson recognized the benefits of a stronger federal government but feared that it might become too powerful and restrict citizens' rights. He advocated for a weak national government and sought to stay true to this principle during his presidency.
