EP. 03 Thomas Jefferson
Uncancelled History
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The Origins of the Declaration of Independence
As Thomas Jefferson knew, he was thinking about representation in democratic governance. That every branch of government should be representative of the people was highly unusual. It raised the question among the founding generation: why is it that we would need a bicameral Congress? He didn't trust the people altogether and wasn't sure they were wise enough to make good choices. But his idea was always that those who were more high toned should act on behalf of the people rather than have their own distinctive aristocratic interests.
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