LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Speech

          Much like Washington concluded his presidency in his farewell speech, Jefferson began his first term with his inaugural speech which began with his thanking of the American people for doing him the honor of electing him president. He proceeds to mention several principles of the constitution, including "that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression" He encourages the American people to unite under the new policy of religious freedom and tolerance. Jefferson regards America as having the strongest government in the world, and trusts the will of the American people. In his final two paragraphs, he again reiterates his understanding of the principles of the constitution, and asks for the people's confidence in his future actions as well as apologizing for any wrong he may do.