LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson's first Inaugural Address was, according to The American Pageant, "a classic statement of democratic principles". Jefferson explained modestly in the beginning of the speech that the power is for the people. He refers to the Constitution at points, encouraging the people to "unite in common efforts for the common good". Jefferson also explains that "The will of the majority is in all cases to prevail", but he also guarantees that "minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression". Jefferson also inspired a sense of patriotism among the audience when he said "I believe this...the strongest Government on earth. I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern." At the end of the speech, Jefferson asks for the help of the people of the nation by stating, "I advance with obedience to the work, ready to retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choice it is in your power to make. And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity".