America would be much different (much better-in my opinion) if his ideas and beliefs were still practiced today.
In his first inaugural address Jefferson explained that for him, "the sum of good government" was a "wise and frugal" one "which shall restrain men from injuring one another, [but] shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned."
He was also for minimal taxes and paying our our national debt, which was nothing compared to what it is now.
Basically, if you are a today's liberal, then you would hate him. If your a Republican you could have mixed views. He would associate more to the Libertarian Party of today. Which was actually what most of the early presidents were.
Lots of other great info out there, good luck on the debate.
1. Pro's and Con's of Thomas Jefferson
Impact on American society...
Was his rule "revolutionary?"...
Short and long-term impacts...
We are having a debate tomorrow and I am arguing that he was more beneficial to the government than detrimental. I have some good ideas, but I need some good "zingers" and more fuel for the fire.
