Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson believed well-informed citizens were crucial for upholding democracy and fulfilling civic responsibilities, as they would be equipped to make thoughtful decisions and participate actively in the democratic process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson believed that citizens should be well informed in order to uphold democratic principles and participate in civic duties. Jefferson viewed an educated and informed electorate as essential for the survival of America's representative democracy. Voting is a significant act of civic responsibility, and without proper information, citizens cannot make thoughtful choices.
Hence, Jefferson supported public education and participation in the democratic process. He believed in the ability of an informed electorate to govern a nation and exercise civic virtue, which was consistent with the beliefs of philosophers like Montesquieu and Rousseau. Due to this, Jefferson valued participatory democracy and advocated for the majority of well-informed citizens to have the power to make decisions.