Thomas Jefferson Limited Government (1801-1809)

     Thomas Jefferson is remembered as one of the founders and the 3rd president of the United States. Just like other presidents in his generation, he and his actions as president made a significant impact on how future generations would lead the country. It is no question he was a good guy and deserves credit; according to the Constitution, he might be the best president to date.

     Jefferson was good at following the Constitution because he didn’t believe the Federal Government should have much power. He believed in the enlightenment philosophy and natural law. In his 1801 Inaugural Address, Jefferson discussed, "wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, but which otherwise left them free to regulate their own affairs". Thus Thomas Jefferson worked hard to remain within the strict confines of the Constitution and reduce federal government to the same, with the aim of protecting individual liberties and State rights.

     Thomas Jefferson had views on taxation and government that are novel in modern politics. Jefferson viewed taxes as a necessary evil to fund essential government functions. He reduced taxes as much as he felt possible throughout his presidency, as he felt excessive taxation was a path to oppression and misery. He also did everything he could to reduce debt, including downsizing the standing army and navy. His policies turned the military into a more specialized force and focused on the problems of internal development, like road building and frontier development. This emphasized a strong state militia as primary defense, as opposed to a standing army.

     His main focus was always to preserve liberty and ensure needs were met while the people and States still had their autonomy. His views on natural law make him one of the best presidents of the United States.