Thomas Jefferson's Legacy: Key Events and Documents in American History

Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Virginia in 1743. He received a rich education and began his political career in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Jefferson played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. As President, he completed the Louisiana Purchase and faced challenges like the Embargo Act. Despite advocating for liberty, he owned slaves and had a relationship with Sally Hemings. After his presidency, he founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, the same day as John Adams.

What significant document did Thomas Jefferson draft in 1776?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Federalist Papers

• The Constitution

Which event marked the beginning of Jefferson's political career?

• His election as President

• His drafting of the Declaration of Independence

• His appointment as Secretary of State

• His service in the Virginia House of Burgesses

Which document established the separation of church and state in Virginia?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

• The Virginia Declaration of Rights

Which role did Jefferson NOT serve in during his political career?

• Vice President

• Minister to France

• Governor of Virginia

• Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

What was one of Thomas Jefferson's major accomplishments as President?

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

• The establishment of the National Bank

• The drafting of the Monroe Doctrine

• The Louisiana Purchase

What was the purpose of the Embargo Act of 1807?

• To increase tariffs on British goods

• To expand trade with Europe

• To prevent American involvement in European conflicts

• To establish a national currency

What was the impact of the Embargo Act on the American economy?

• It boosted the economy by increasing exports

• It had no significant impact

• It led to a financial boom in the southern states

• It devastated the economy by banning trade with France and Great Britain

Who was Sally Hemings in relation to Thomas Jefferson?

• A slave with whom he had a prolonged affair

• His sister-in-law

• His political advisor

• His first wife

What institution did Jefferson found after his presidency?

• Harvard University

• The University of Virginia

• Yale University

• Princeton University

On what date did Thomas Jefferson pass away?

• December 25, 1826

• January 1, 1826

• April 13, 1826

• July 4, 1826