LAD #7: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Some people expected Jefferson in his inaugural to attack the Federalists because he had been quite critical of them in the past. Instead, he held out an olive branch and, in a paean to democracy, wanted to have a society in which differing ideas were encouraged. Only by allowing people full freedom to differ, Jefferson urged, could democratic society thrive. Here again, a precedent had been set. Political parties, no matter how bitter the electoral fight, would not only accept the results, but would be expected to cooperate in furthering the good of the nation. Jefferson, in his address, wanted to make sure the people understood that he wanted to keep on the road that leads to peace, liberty, and safety. He reiterates the importance of equality among the people, stating "equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political." Strongly criticized as a deist or even an atheist, Jefferson strongly stated his belief in the importance of religion in the address. He closes the speech listing the "freedom of religion" prominently among the constitutional freedoms.