Thomas Jefferson and the Supreme Court

Paper Summary:

Using Thomas Jefferson's only book, "Notes on the State of Virginia", as a reference, the paper examines U.S President Jefferson's political theory and views of government, especially the judicial system, to see what he would think about the modern United States Supreme Court.

From the Paper:

"Thomas Jefferson is one of our country's most honored and revered men. He helped establish our government and was a key figure in the early political arena of the nation. He is the author of the Declaration of Independence and was an ambassador to France. He also won the office of President of the United States of America in 1804 in one of the closest races in the nation's history. He only wrote one book, Notes on the State of Virginia. Most of his political theories are from his book and letters he wrote to friends addressing many of the issues of that time period, which are still useful today. He wrote about his view of the legislative, executive and judicial braches of government. He expressed a view that favored a government which was partial towards individual participation as opposed to a national power with little power resting in the hands of the individual. Jefferson's views on judicial systems suggested that he would be opposed to the structure and powers of the modern Supreme Court, but he would be impressed by how the court favors individual freedoms. Jefferson would be upset that the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, but he would be impressed by how the court uses the power to protect the rights of citizens."

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