The powers and responsibilities of the Presidency are just days away for Donald Trump. While the winds of invectiveness continue to howl, what better source of soothing balm for the President-elect than the words of President Jefferson? We bring forward Jefferson’s advice from his first inaugural address.
Jefferson’s Advice
March 4, 1801 was Jefferson’s first inauguration day. It was the first inauguration to witness a change in power across political parties. It was also the first inauguration held in Washington, D.C. Jefferson walked to the ceremony early that afternoon to deliver his address.
So here is Thomas Jefferson’s advice to President Trump, words that resonate for any President in the role of President:
With experience enough in subordinate offices to have seen the difficulties of this the greatest of all, I have learnt to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and the favor which bring him into it. . . . I ask so much confidence only as may give firmness and effect to the legal administration of your affairs.
I shall often go wrong through defect of judgment. When right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will never be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who may condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts. The approbation implied by your suffrage is a great consolation to me for the past, and my future solicitude will be to retain the good opinion of those who have bestowed it in advance, to conciliate that of others by doing them all the good in my power, and to be instrumental to the happiness and freedom of all.
The Principles of Government
President Jefferson’s advice on the principles that should guide the administration of government still apply today:
About to enter, fellow-citizens, on the exercise of duties which comprehend everything dear and valuable to you, it is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government, and consequently those which ought to shape its Administration. . . .
Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.
Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none;
The support of the State governments in all their rights, as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against antirepublican tendencies.
The preservation of the General Government in its whole constitutional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad.
A jealous care of the right of election by the people . . .
Absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, the vital principle of republics, from which is no appeal but to force, the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism.
A well disciplined militia, our best reliance in peace and for the first moments of war, till regulars may relieve them . . .
Economy in the public expense, that labor may be lightly burthened [sic].
The honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of the public faith.
Encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce as its handmaid.
The diffusion of information and arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the public reason;
Freedom of religion. . .
Freedom of the press. . .
These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety.
