ABSTRACT
Thomas Jefferson argued strongly for education that would make individuals free and enable citizens to ensure democracy. In 1786, he wrote to George Wythe, “No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness. Preach a crusade against ignorance; establish and improve the law for educating the common people. Let our countrymen know that people alone can protect us against the evils [of misgovernment]” (Boyd, 1953). Despite the various, differing views of Jefferson that recent revisionist historians have promoted, his understanding of the necessity for powerful education to provide effective governance continues to ring true. Contemporary America badly needs citizens educated in the values of democracy and the practice of effective citizenship that Jefferson enjoined.
