Thomas Jefferson and the Constitution
In the summer of 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to design a new government for the United States. Thomas Jefferson was not among them. He was thousands of miles away in France, serving as the American minister, or official representative. Yet his ideas and letters would still become part of the debate over the Constitution.
Jefferson was born in Virginia in 1743. As a young man, he studied law and became interested in how governments should treat people. He also grew up in a society built partly on slavery. His family enslaved people, and Jefferson inherited both land and enslaved workers. These facts would remain part of his life even as he wrote about liberty.
In 1776, representatives of the American colonies met during the struggle for independence from Great Britain. Jefferson, then 33, was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence. This document announced that the colonies were free states and explained why they were separating from British rule.
- delegates:
- People chosen to represent others at a meeting.
- liberty:
- Freedom to live and act without unfair control.
- draft:
- To write a first version of a document.
- disputes:
- Disagreements or arguments.
- compromise:
- An agreement reached when each side gives up something.
- representation:
- The way people or states have members speak and act for them in government.
- treaty:
- A formal agreement between governments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did Jefferson contribute to the debate over the Constitution without attending the meeting in Philadelphia?
- 2How did Jefferson's actions conflict with the Declaration's statement that all men are created equal?
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About this biography passage for 5th Grade
“Thomas Jefferson and the Constitution” is a biography reading passage about American Government, written for 5th Grade. It takes about 6 minutes to read (834 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.