Relationship between citizens and the government is vital for any country’s political social and economic development. Some patriots have had an impact on the leadership of the United States since the declaration of its independence.
Thomas Jefferson is among the patriots, who participated in initiating America’s liberation from its colonizers. Since then, the American democratic government has evolved strategically by allowing citizens to be part of decision-making. This means political leaders allow individuals to give their opinions on issues of governance. Even though America is a large entity with a population of more than 300 million people, the state keep in touch with people all year round.
This is achieved by the help of political parties, media, interest groups, and campaigns. This paper is aimed at letting the reader understand the need for ethical leadership and governance as a measure of democracy. It will analyze contributions of Thomas Jefferson as a political leader towards the nation’s evolution on equality, liberty, opportunity, democracy, and rights. Eventually, the reader will appreciate the dedication and spirit instilled by society that helped America reach its current state.
The relationship between the government and its citizens has strategically evolved since the declaration of independence in 1776 (Ambrose, 2002, para. 2). Native Americans had suffered enough, and needed change. British colonizers had taken advantage of the country’s vulnerability and dictated Americans for a long time. For example, all policies had to be approved by the British government before implementation in the regional land.
American citizens needed a government ruled by the people. In this case, American patriots documented a list of complains and directed them to England. The list advocated for human property and liberty rights required by citizens. This meant Americans needed new leadership from the native inhabitants.
Revolution against corrupt and greedy leaders helped America alter its governance strategies. Top government officials encouraged citizens to be part of a new leadership in the country. For example, the government wanted a mutual relationship with local inhabitants.
This was achieved by working for the people as servants. Servants are dedicated people who offer services to meet the needs and wants of clients. Americans wanted leadership in which the top officials met individual needs rather than embezzle funds. The Declaration of Independence promised to punish corrupt and guilty leaders through a new justice system.
A way of building relationships with the people was to allow them participate in community development. For example, state officials of America obtained land that was forcefully taken from native individuals. This gave the government an opportunity to win the trust of citizens regarding ethical leadership.
Participation in campaigns and allowance of the public to vote for leaders showed an improvement in governance of the United States. People have the right to choose leaders desired leaders, and vote out unethical ones. Voting converge people with similar interests, and sensitizes people on necessary amendments for a better economy. In the end, participation in societal development programs brought the state close to the people it served.
Media played a crucial role in promoting the relationship between states and citizens. Journalist, editors and authors worked together to provide a sustainable development of the United States’ economy (Armitage 2012, p. 67). For example, newspaper companies printed information on social, political, and economic development of the state.
Published information on policies intended for implementation allowed citizens to provide personal opinions regarding the proposed issues. Response from the public usually determined the effectiveness of the policy, and the economic level of the state.
Thomas Jefferson, played significant roles in ensuring ideas on liberty, opportunity, equality, rights and democracy were met effectively. The most vital role played by this leader was drafting the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s policies were derived from the need for equality, liberty, democracy, and rights.
Americans had been oppressed for a long time, and people needed change. The fight against Britain was a deadly war. Anyone who went against British law was declared a traitor. Treason was a serious offense punishable by taking the traitor’s life and property (Armitage 2012, p. 95).
Jefferson drafted the declaration with respect to complaints made by the United States community. Through the declaration, Americans became hopeful for a better future with reputable leaders. The declaration manifested true power that was to meet people’s demands. It advocated for a state that shifted power of the officials to the hands of the citizens. This meant all activities of the country had to be controlled by the people.
Jefferson was motivated to fight for independence because of the challenges that the people faced. American citizens were subjected to unfair taxes, political instability, and inequitable distribution of land, among other injustices. British officials practiced divide and rule to disunite the Americans. This was heightened by taking land from one person and giving it to another. Rich Americans were favored while the poor remained in poverty.
Because of these injustices, Jefferson compiled thoughts and ideas in an article called “A Summary View of the Rights of British America.” This article was later published worldwide to make other nations aware of the conditions in America (Armitage 2012, p. 57). Jefferson’s ideas justified the need for a revolution. America’s Declaration of Independence became a foundation for other countries’ desire to struggle for independence.
Looking back through history, works of political leaders such as Jefferson have been highly criticized. Jefferson’s personal deeds contradicted the founding ideas of liberty and equality. He discriminated his servants on a personal level. During the struggle for independence, Jefferson sensitized people on equality (Ambrose, 2002, para. 5).
This leader believed that all people were equal and should be treated justly. Contrary to Jefferson’s thoughts, the leader promoted slavery, which was equated to discrimination. In most cases, poor people suffered under the hands of the rich. Land was distributed based on class and race. Afro Americans were denied wealth and had to work on the white Americans’ land to earn a living.
The blacks were discriminated in some cities like New York. Job opportunities were available based on race rather than qualifications. From this analysis, it can be concluded that some prospects of declaration were not practiced in real life. When sensitizing people on equality, leaders should be role models in implementing policies. This helps the society respect the views of politicians and accept positive change.
Solid relationships between the state and its citizens require dedication from both parties. America managed to achieve independence through devoted leaders. The changes implemented enhanced people’s opinion on liberty, equality, democracy, and rights. Throughout history, founding fathers of American liberation proposed equal treatment of citizens. It is advisable to evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of leaders who fought for independence.
Reference List
Ambrose, S. E. (2002). Founding fathers and slaveholders. Web.
Armitage, D. (2012). The declaration of independence: A global history. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.