Thomas Jefferson's Views On Revolution

Thomas Jefferson’s views on revolution and change all stem from the massive significance he places on getting educated. One of the most beneficial things you could do for yourself in terms of self-sufficiency and self-sustainment is acquiring education because it is one of the best tools in ensuring your rights are not infringed by emphatic government. When his views on revolution are concerned, civic education is stressed because that is how enlightenment is achievable. It takes a well-rounded intellectual who is invested in the enterprise of good government. Of course, the author of the Declaration of Independence and proud Father of the University of Virginia would approve and endorse revolution in the right circumstances. In a letter to
Publius felt that even though it is essential for government to allow change and ratification, it shouldn’t be a reoccurring event. “ Frequent appeals would, in a great measure, deprive the government of that veneration which time bestows on everything, and without which perhaps the wisest and freest governments would not possess the requisite stability” (Publius, No. 49 p.262). If the government wasn’t as concrete and foundational, popular opinion and passions would be adhered to rather than close deliberation and consideration. It wouldn’t be as much of a risk to call for revolution or accept change in government if the society was ideal and everyone had a love of philosophy, but this is simply not the case and Publius understood that factor. Although Publius understood the necessity of the convention for altering the constitution, it should be postponed “for certain and extraordinary occasions”. (Publius, No. 49 p.261) This is to ensure and protect a stable government that doesn’t always bend to the will of its constituents. It also gives the active participants in energetic government more power by conserving power in the constitution rather than in the will of the general public. Since the three branches of government get their power from the constitution, and the people made the constitution, power comes from the individual. Publius wanted that to be understood but didn’t fully trust the general public so that is why they are not in favor of change as much as Jefferson because only aristocrats are better suited to know when changes in government are necessities. The general public doesn’t act on their reason a lone, and passions are usually the fuel for wanting certain change or action. This alone makes Publius have a more conservative outlook on change and