LAD #9: Jefferson's Inaugural Address

Jefferson begins by thanking his fellow citizens for electing him.  He goes on to state that America is a rapidly growing country with a lot of potential.  Jefferson then claims that he will refer to the beloved constitution to solve all difficulties.  He states that although the will of the majority will prevail, their voice must be reasonable and the minority, too will be protected by the law.  Jefferson encourages Americans to unite under one heart and one mind, avoiding bloody, wicked conflicts.  Later on, he makes note of the strength of the republican government saying that it is "the strongest government on the earth."  The government, he says, will protect the people from injury however, it will give them the freedom to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvements.  Jefferson lists several essential principles of government including equality of all men, religious freedom, peaceful relations with other nations, no entangling alliances, support of the state government, and preservation of the general government.  He concludes by saying that he will not always make decisions that please everyone and asks for forgiveness for these errors.