Question

Based on Source 3 and Source 4, which phrase best explains why Thomas Jefferson believed it was important to grant liberties to individuals?

Source 3

Adapted from President Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1801)

Bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to win, that will must be reasonable. The minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect.

Let us with courage and confidence pursue our own Federal and Republican principles. A wise and careful Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to determine their own pursuits and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.

It is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government: Equal and exact justice to all men. Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none. The support of the State governments in all their rights. Care of the right of election by the people. Absolute acceptance in the decisions of the majority. A well-disciplined militia. Encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce. Freedom of religion. Freedom of the press. Trial by juries impartially selected. These principles have guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.


Source 4

Adapted from a Letter from Thomas Jefferson to David Howell (1810)

This excerpt is from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in response to his friend David Howell. Howell had requested that Jefferson support Rhode Island’s governor, James Fenner, a Democrat-Republican.

Dear Sir,

I learn with pleasure that republican principles are important in your state. I honestly believe that governments founded in them are most friendly to the happiness of the people at large; and especially of a people so capable of self government as ours. I have been ever opposed to the party so falsely called federalists, because I believe they want to introduce into our government authorities otherwise independent of the national will. These always consume the taxes paid by the people and oppress¹ the people with labor and poverty.

¹oppress: burden
Question 5 options:


to allow individuals to manage their own businesses


to defend against individuals moving to other countries


to offer individuals the opportunity to rule


to guard against the unjust treatment of individuals

Answer 1

To offer individuals the opportunity to rule

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the source 3 and source 4, the excerpt states that every individual has his own individual identity and must learn to utilize it. They must look beyond national interest and work on developing their individual futures by indulging in individual businesses.

Therefore it is a task of giving the individuals the opportunity to rule their own lives rather than being carried away with the national interest.