Thomas Jefferson was a politician and writer who greatly influenced the development of the American government. A perfect example of this would be his work on the Declaration of Independence.
This document is vital to America's government, as it officially announces the breakup of the American colonists and Great Britian. Along with this, the Declaration of Independence also lists rights that all men have. This includes "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness." These ideas would be included in the US Constitution when it is officially ratified in 1789.