This is a lesson designed by Zevi Gutfreund in the Social Studies Department. It includes his assignment, his own reflection, and sample student responses.

Assignment and Activity: Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Homework Read Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, Doc. 7-12, pp. 180-181.
You will each be assigned a particular paragraph to analyze. After reading the entire document, re-read your paragraph. Then write a paragraph that addresses the following questions:

 

1. To whom is Jefferson speaking? Does he use the first-person or second- person? Singular or plural? How does that affect the tone of your paragraph?
2. What is the topic sentence? What question or problem is the paragraph addressing?
3. What specific examples of Government does Jefferson mention in your paragraph? What does he say about his new role as President?
4. What is the argument of your paragraph? Is it convincing?
5. How does your paragraph relate to the speech as a whole?
6. Do you think Jefferson is speaking in practical terms or ideal terms? How can you tell? What's the difference?

Day 3 (E/F) Discuss Jefferson's First Inaugural
The "Revolution of 1800" (Ken Burns' Film)
Now that you've seen the film, do you think Jefferson's First Inaugural is speaking in practical or ideal terms? Has your viewpoint changed?



My reflection:

In assigning Jefferson's Inaugural I was hoping to expose my students to two things: the historical context of the Election of 1800 as well as the strategic thinking of a very talented writer. This speech contains very lofty language, such as "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it." But he was writing this speech for a very divided audience: he had just won the Election of 1800 (called the "Jeffersonian Revolution" in our textbook), which was marked by heavy mud-slinging and heated arguments between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. However, this "revolution" was the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in American history, and Jefferson's Inaugural helped assure that peace. This was what I wanted my students to take away from the activity, but the focus was on the text of the speech itself.

By assigning each student to focus on just one paragraph I wanted to both make the document more approachable as well as to work on writing skills. They need to know the paragraph's topic sentence, and it's voice, in order to understand what Jefferson is trying to say. I was pleasantly surprised that these specific questions got the students thinking about the effect of voice in writing. I was also pleased that, with such specific questions, students who normally struggle with these document assignments had very interesting things to say.

In class I divided the students into groups by paragraph and asked them to find one or two "soundbytes" from their paragraph and to say whether Jefferson was being practical or ideal in this excerpt. Most of the groups decided the speech was ideal. After sharing their findings with the whole class, I talked about rising political tensions in 1800 (using examples such as the Alien and Sedition Acts, extreme Federalist measures, and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, the Republicans' equally extreme response). Then I showed a segment of Ken Burns' documentary about the Jefferson Revolution and the dirty politics of the Presidential campaign. I ended class by asking if the students had changed their mind about the speech (was Jefferson really advocating an ideal form of government, or was this a practical attempt calm political divisions after a heated election?).

In retrospect this should have been a two-day activity. That way I could have spent more time on the Critical Thinking end. As it was, we had to very quickly define the difference between "ideal" and "practical." I also would have liked to leave time at the end so students could look over their assignment and comment on whether or not the discussion and film changed their mind about Jefferson's intentions. In addition, my homework questions could have had some kind of CT-reflection aspect.

Here are some example homework responses. I felt the best responses were for Paragraphs One, Three, and Five, which is interesting since the most famous "soundbyte" ("We are all Federalists. We are all Republicans...") is in Paragraph Two.


Liko H. - First Paragraph

In my paragraph, Jefferson is addressing his "friends and fellow citizens," mainly the legislature and people in the government. He speaks in first person singular. This makes him sound friendly, yet gives him importance, and the overall tone of the paragraph is warm and humble. The topic sentence is:

"Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our country, I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my fellow-citizens which is here assembled to express my grateful thanks for the favor with which they have been pleased to look towards me, to declare a sincere consciousness that the task is above my talents, and that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments which the greatness of the charge and the weakness of my powers so justly inspire."

Jefferson is addressing his new position and his duties and how he is appreciative to the people who have given him this honor. He mentions that he will be challenged but he is humbled by being chosen to take on this great opportunity for the rest of the country. The examples of Government that he mentioned are: "first executive office of our country" being the Presidency, "high authorities provided by the Constitution" meaning the laws that run the governmental structures, and he also addresses the legislature, "soverign functions of legislation." Regarding his job, he says that he does not feel as if he is qualified enough for the position ("task is above my talents") but that he and his cabinet and supervisors and everyone will help him to guide the country, and become a great nation. The argument would be that he, as well as the people of the country will be successful in continuing to better themselves, and form relations and become a great power. He sounds very convincing by the way that he phrases things. He shows confidence, but he isn't arrogant. The first paragraph is, of course, an introduction. It is a lead in to the rest of the speech and sets the tone and character of the speech. I think that Jefferson is speaking in practical terms, even if this speech is basically all of his hopes and wishes for the Americans and their country. It's practical because he is saying what he can accomplish and what he will do, but they are not outlandish thoughts. All of his ideals are reasonable and achievable and in that sense, they are practical.

Sarah K. - Fifth Paragraph

In Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, Jefferson often uses first person, and refers to the nation as "our country." The use of first persona and of words such as "us" and "we" makes the paragraph more personal. It effectively connects to the reader on an individual level. In the topic sentence, Jefferson says "_I_ repair, then, _fellow-citizens_, to the post _you_ have assigned _me_." It is clear that Jefferson is trying to incorporate the American people into his political affairs on a personal level. In this paragraph, Jefferson attempts to explain to the American public that he is not perfect, and sometimes he will make wrong judgments and decisions. He is asking the American citizens for their patience when this happens, and for them to remember his mistakes are unintentional. He also mentions that his views will not appeal to everyone, and the main focus of his presidency will be to ensure the public their freedom and happiness. Earlier in the address, Jefferson spoke of the Revolutionary War, and how "we" fought for our freedom and independence from tyrannical governments. Jefferson's words provide a convincing argument that he will do everything in his power to enforce "good opinion" into the government. He speaks in practical terms when he says that he will make mistakes like every human, but he will also try to live up to the ideal president that Americans envision.

Kim C. - Third Paragraph

During the address, Thomas Jefferson speaks to the people of the United States of America in first person plural. This gives the address a positive tone because he doesn't sound selfish by talking only of himself (first person singular) and he doesn't sound scolding or commanding (second person); it sounds like he wants to work with the people. This tone creates unity and harmony. In a way it suggests an answer to the nations problems, cooperation.

In the third paragraph he discusses, the one more thing "necessary to make us a happy and prosperous people," which is, "a wise and frugal government." He wants the people to have "courage and confidence" in the ability of the government and to cooperate with each other, Federalist and Republican alike, to better the nation. He thinks that this government ought to "restrain men from injuing one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulare their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned." In other words, he wants the government to be strong enough to keep men from hurting each other, or from becoming too powerful and weak enough that it does not become a tyranny. It seems that during his presidency one of his main focuses will be on bettering the government so that it will satisfy everyone, both Federalist and Republican, and the "circle of our felicities" will be closed. Throught out much of the rest of his speech, Jefferson keeps emphasizing this idea of unifying the country and harmonizing it, in order to pursue the goal of happiness. The speech is almost like a pep-talk, it is very positive and hopeful. In this way, it seems idealistic. How could one ever make everybody happy? His words sound impossible. But, in another way it seems that his speech is practical, since it is a call for cooperation and harmony, with which satisfaction for everyone can be accomplished through compromises and "sacrifice for the common good."

Kasey K. - First Paragraph

In Jefferson's Inaugural Address, Jefferson speaks to the Congress, but in the first paragraph it sounds like he's speaking to the whole country. Jefferson uses first person and plural form to address the nation which affects the tone by making the paragraph very strong. This tone makes Jefferson sound proud and ready to represent his nation, giving hope and encouragement to the citizens of America. The topic sentence in a paragraph is usually the first paragraph, the same goes for paragraph one, Jefferson opens by telling his nation he is willing to take this position in government and he's going to take it very seriously. The main problem he addresses is the faith of his people. He asks them to have faith in him and that he needs an encouragement from the citizens to run a more successful nation, trying to ensure his citizens to that they need to believe in their country. Jefferson uses examples about why our country has the possibilities of becoming a rising nation (fruitful land, lots of trade opportunities, etc.) to strengthen his argument of what we can be. It seems very convincing because Jefferson is so confident with his words and views. This paragraph serves as an introduction to the whole speech, speaking in ideal terms because they seem very possible for the country. He honestly believes everything he says about his country. The difference being, practical terms wouldn't seem as passionate or what could be expected of America.

Greg R. -: Third Paragraph

Jefferson is speaking to the people and he uses plural first person which makes the tone more empathetic and creates a feeling of unity and being one. The topic sentence is the first sentence which states that with the circumstances we should pursue our own principles and our attachment to the government. He mentions that the government officials are not inherited, but that they are picked because of their actions and sense of benign enlightenment of religion, truth, and etc. He shows that the government is led by morally superior people. He then says that the only thing that is now needed is a frugal government. He as president will be moderate and frugal, in order to insure peace as well as freedom. The argument of my paragraph is that the nation is separated from the havoc of Europe, the leaders are elected based on supreme intellect and morals, and that the only thing left to do in order to insure happiness to all is to make a frugal government. A government that insures peace, but allows others to pursue their own principles. It is convincing since it is based on logic and well rounded common sense. This paragraph helps to show, as well as the rest of the speech, that Jefferson is intending on leading a moderate course for the government. It relates to how a moderate and frugal course will insure happiness and overall prosperity. Jefferson is definitely speaking in practical terms. By talking of a moderate government, but one that can insure peace, he is making the possibility of a broad republic seem as likely to succeed as ever. He is taking the middle path, so to speak, with the leadership of the people. He understands that the government cannot be too strong, but it cannot be too weak. He is speaking of what is best for success of this government and by being moderate, he is being realistic.

(After watching the Burns' film, Greg changed his mind and added): He is being ideal by eloquently speaking about good things, but not really showing how.

Kyle K. - Paragraph Three

Thomas Jefferson is addressing the people of the United Staes as one. He speaks to the peole as if he were one of them. His first sentence in this paragraph starts off with "Let us." He starts off the whole Inaugural Address with "Friends and Fellow-Citizens." He writes in first person which makes the people think that Jefferson isn't a politician but a friend, a person who understands the people's concerns. He writes in plural form to address the public as a whole and to reach out to everyone.

The topic sentence is, "with courage and confidence pursue our own Federal and Republican principles, our attachment to union and representative government." Jefferson believes that the people should govern the nation. His problem in this paragraph is having the people to unite as one and then strive to becoming a great nation. He wants a government where people aren't afraid of the central government and to reassure the people of its freedom and liberty. He wants equal rights for everybody not just born in America but foreigners as well. He wants Republicans and Federalists to unite and work together for a great country. He makes this problem seem quite easy to solve by having love for fellow men. I feel that Jefferson speaks on ideal terms. He wants everyone to love everyone. It is impossible for one nation to love their fellow citizens on the same level that Jefferson speaks of. But his address to the people seems quite convincing.

In the second part of the paragraph Jefferson speaks of one problem of the federal government. Jefferson wants to have a government that is controlled by the people and for the people. He believes that the Republicans and Federalists should live together in unity with slight disagreement.

Rory H. - Fifth Paragraph

Jefferson is speaking to the people of the country who may see others agreeing with or disagreeing with his decisions. He talks of himself, I, in the first person, making it much more personal than if he had used another tense or person. Jefferson is addressing concerns he believe Americans will have with some decisions he might make, and is soothing fears that might arise when there are conflicting views. He mentions his ability to make choices in the government, and that it is his job to make those choices. He argues that although people will disagree and agree with im on certain choices he makes, he will always try to do his best, and never commit intentional errors, he is convincing. This paragraph serves to quell problems which may arise when people disagree with him, acts as a type of warning before possible storms surge up. He is speaking practically, making goals for himself, setting a realistic tone in stating that he will in fact make errors, that he is human. If he had said all his decisions will be agreed upon by all, and that all the choices he make will be perfect he would be speaking ideally, but he doesn't say this, hence he speaks realistically.

Casey Y. - Fifth Paragraph

Jefferson is speaking to his friends and fellow citizens. He uses first and second person, singular and plural, respectively. It affects the tone of the paragraph because it's almost as if he's talking to a small group of people and not just saying stuff about himself. The topic sentence says, "I repair, then, fellow-citizens, to the post you have assigned me." This sentence is addressing the fact that he's just been elected and that he is preparing to start his political career as President. He only talks about his new role as President in my paragraph. An example of this can be seen when he mentions he will make mistakes during his term, which he says will all be unintentional. He also asks for the people's help during these times. Another example of this is shown when he thanks the people for electing him into office and hopes he will be able to maintain the "good opinion" of the people who elected him. There isn't an argument present in this paragraph, but there is a great amount of thanks from Jefferson. He does a good job of giving the citizens assurance that he is and will be a very capable leader, which is exactly what people wanted to hear in such difficult times. Yes, this part of his speech was very convincing. My paragraph directly relates to the speech as a whole because a key element in the first inaugural address was to give credit to the people and assure them they made the right decision. This was not only covered in my paragraph, but others as well. The speech would have been far less successful if it didn't contain my paragraph. As far as my paragraph goes Jefferson was speaking in practical terms because he didn't make any huge or specific promises. It was a generalization which proved to be very persuasive. I can tell he was speaking of practical terms because if what he said were ideal terms I'd have a harder time picturing it. Ideal terms would be what's wanted or the best possible outcome. Practical terms would be reality, which could be good or bad.