Thomas Jefferson

The Declaration of Independence was written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, a Virginian. That document was of great importance. It formed the basis of American constitution. Jefferson was named the father of America's constitution.

Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia. His father was a county official and surveyor. He made the first accurate map of Virginia, and his son was always proud of the fact.

When his father died, Thomas was only fourteen. Thomas inherited 2,750 acres of land and became a wealthy young man. His father was not an educated man, and he dreamed his son would get a profound training in science and arts. In 1760 Thomas entered William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia. By that time he had already mastered Latin and Greek. He proved to be a brilliant student.

Thomas Jefferson graduated from college, and became a lawyer. He took an active part in political life of Virginia. He thought that the Parliament in London had no right to make laws for people who had left England. Jefferson's articles published in newspapers were often cited by his compatriots. Jefferson wrote that "all men are created equal and independent". He believed it was the job of the government to ensure equality and independence of the people.

From 1781 to 1784 Jefferson withdrew from public life. In 1784 he was appointed Minister to France and served with Benjamin Franklin on the commission which signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the revolutionary war. The climax of his political career was in 1800, when he was elected the third President of the United States.

Notes:

county — округ

would get a profound training in science and arts — полу­чит основательное естественнонаучное и гуманитарное об­разование

Не proved to be a brilliant student. — Он оказался блес­тящим студентом

"all men are created equal and independent" — "все люди созданы равными и независимыми"

Не believed it was the job of the government to ensure — Он полагал, что задача правительства заключается в том, что­бы обеспечить

Minister to France — посол во Франции

climax — вершина, пик, кульминационная точка

EXERCISES

1. Переведите на русский язык:

When his father died, a wealthy young man, the first accurate map of Virginia, great importance, the basis of American constitution, the father of America's constitution.

2. Выпишите из текста предложения, содержащие следующие словосочетания и переведите их на русский язык:

The Declaration of Independence, William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Thomas Jefferson graduated from, the Parliament in London, Jefferson's articles.

3. Составьте предложения со следующими словами и словосочетаниями:

The government, to make laws for people, Jefferson's articles, published in newspapers, Minister to France, political career.

4. Ответьте на следующие вопросы:

1. Who wrote the most part of The Declaration of Independence?

2. What have you learned about Thomas Jefferson?

3. What did Jefferson think about equality and independence?

4. What was to ensure equality and independence of the people?

5. When did Jefferson become President?