Question

source: thomas jefferson, letter to delegates at the constitutional convention, may 25, 1787. my fellow countrymen, i am deeply saddened that i cannot be present on this very important occasion. as you know, i am here in france to support our relations with this nation. gentlemen, you must consider how sacred your presence is at the convention today. your efforts will lay the foundation of america in vain. we will ensure that the blood our brothers shed in our noble fight for independence will not be in vain. we come from different parts of our conduct and conduct our separate lives and affairs, according to the values we hold dear. herein lies the beauty of our independence, those who will admire us across the world, and our children who will not fight with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest... of nations down to a town meeting. however, let us debate with the purpose of creating a strong union under a wise... government. when the glorious document has been crafted, emerge to educate and inform the whole mass of the people. they are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. with great respect and admiration, thomas jefferson 1. why couldnt jefferson attend the constitutional convention? a. he was building relationships with native americans b. he was ambassador for the united states overseas c. he was in britain trying to ease tensions after the revolution d. he was helping settlers to expand in the west 2. what are two claims jefferson makes in this letter? a. creating a constitution is too challenging and should not be attempted b. disagreement is a sign of weakness and should be avoided c. it is impossible to expect all delegates to agree, but that results in strength d. the people need to know the constitution because they will protect individual freedoms e. the men present at the constitutional convention are the most important americans f. the new nation is beautiful because of how similar americans are 3. jeffersons purpose for writing this letter is to... a. demonstrate how sorry he is to be missing the meeting b. reprimand the delegates for neglecting to get along fully and for wasting the liberty of the people c. convince the delegates to push for a strong federal government d. encourage the delegates to debate fully and to educate the people to create the best country

Explanation:

1. In the letter, Jefferson states he is in France to support relations with that nation, so he couldn't attend the Constitutional Convention.
2. Analyzing the letter, Jefferson claims that delegates will disagree on some issues and that the people are the only sure - reliance for the preservation of liberty.
3. Jefferson's purpose is to encourage the delegates to push for a strong union under a wise government and to educate the people for the sake of the nation.

Answer:

1. b. He was ambassador for the United States overseas
2. d. Delegates will disagree on some issues; e. The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of liberty
3. c. Convince the delegates to push for a strong federal government