Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743, in Albemale County, Virginia. When he was 14, he inherited his father’s estate and slaves. Soon after, Jefferson attended the College of Wiliam and Mary. In 1769, when was just 26, Jefferson was elected to the Virginia House of Representatives. In 1772, Jefferson began building his home, Monticello. In 1770, he married Martha Wayles Skelton.
As a member of the second Continental Congress, Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. In 1779, he was elected as governor of Virginia. Although he resigned in 1781, during his term as governor, Jefferson wrote the famous statute on religious freedom. Jefferson’s writings also formed the basis of the Ordinances of 1784, 1785, and 1787. From 1785-1789, Jefferson served as minister to France. In 1789, George Washington appointed him Secretary of State.
Due to political differences concerning the role of the government with other cabinet members, Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State in 1793. Jefferson soon ran for president, but was defeated in 1796 by John Adams. Nevertheless, he was appointed vice-president. Although Jefferson and Aaron Burr received equal electoral votes for presidency yet Jefferson was elected president by the House of Representatives in 1800. During Jefferson’s term, both the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition occurred. Jefferson served two presidential terms. He later established the University of Virginia. He died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Coincidentally, John Adams died on the same day.
Answer the following questions
1 When was Thomas Jefferson born?
a 1734
b 1743
c 1473
d 1762
2 Which of the following documents was Thomas Jefferson not involved with?
a Declaration of Independence
b Statute on Religious Freedom
c Ordinance of 1784
d Ordinance of 1786
3 What happened last?
a Jefferson was elected president.
b Jefferson founded the University of Virginia.
c The Lewis and Clark Expedition
d John Adams won
4 When did Jefferson write the statute on religious freedom?
a While he was governor.
b When he was 26.
c While he was vice-president.
d Before he wrote the Declaration of Independence.
5 What does “inherited” mean ?
a Given away in a will
b Received from a will
c Taken over
d Destroyed
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