Baltimore County Public Schools
Arts
Office of Secondary English Language
Sample Outline: Thomas Jefferson
Thesis: As one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson delivered the “Inaugural Address 1805”
expressing his view on economic liberty and financial accountability therefore showing that he would
support Social Security with stipulations.
I.
Thomas Jefferson is important in the past and the present. (Introduction)
A. Thomas Jefferson was third President of the United States.
B. His second “Inaugural Address” focused on domestic issues.
C. Jefferson’s “Inaugural Address 1805” expressed his support of Social Security. (Thesis)
II.
Thomas Jefferson’s life shaped his ideals and beliefs during the founding of a New Nation.
A. Jefferson inherited land and slaves from his wealth parents (Malone).
B. Jefferson is said to have fathered the children of Sally Hemings, his slave (Malone).
III.
His life experiences led him to be involved in the founding of a New Nation.
A. He sympathized with French and American revolutionaries seeking equality (“Thomas”).
B. He drafted Declaration proclaiming inherent rights for all people (Malone).
IV.
The Founding Father’s Inaugural Address (1805) reveals his beliefs.
A. Those who could not pay taxes would be adopted by State authorities. (Inaugural Address)
B. Reserved income should be used to extend services (Inaugural Address).
V.
His Inaugural Address (1805) contributed to the founding of a New Nation
A. He stated his responsibilities in order to retain confidence of Americans (Inaugural Address).
B. He recognized inherent equality for all people, including minorities (Inaugural Address).
VI.
Social security would have been an interest of Thomas Jefferson.
A. The U.S. social security system provides benefits to those in need (“Social Security”).
B. Demands for benefits place increased strain on the supply of tax revenue (“Social Security”).
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VII.
Office of Secondary English Language
If Thomas Jefferson were alive today, he would respond to the issue of social security.
A. Jefferson treated his slaves with more care than other contemporary slave owners (Bacon).
B. Jefferson believed that those who were financially able should give “cheerfully” through taxes
to support those in need (Inaugural Address).
C. Jefferson would advocate for Social Security because it requires the majority to protect the
rights of the minority.
VIII.
We should use the Founding Father’s beliefs and writings today. (Conclusion)
A. Jefferson’s “Inaugural Address 1805” expressed his support of Social Security. (Thesis)
B. Jefferson’s life and writing echoed his personal convictions and perspectives on current events.
C. As our country faces new challenges the Founding Fathers never imagined, Americans must
return to the beliefs and ideals that formed our democracy.
Works Cited
Bacon, Edmund. "The Slaves' Story: Mr. Jefferson's Servants." Frontline" Public Broadcasting Service. n.d.
Web. 2 Aug. 2012. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline>.
Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States. Washington, D.C.: U.S. G.P.O.: for sale by the
Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., 1989; Bartleby.com, 2001. www.bartleby.com/124/. Web 2 Aug 2012.
Malone, Dumas. "Brief Biography of Thomas Jefferson." Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. N.p., n.d. Web. 31
July 2012. <http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/brief-biography-thomas-jefferson>.
"Social Security." Current Issues: Macmillan Social Science Library. New York: Macmillan Reference USA,
2003. Opposing Viewpoints Critical Thinking. Gale. Baltimore County Public Schools. Web 2 Aug.
2012
"Thomas Jefferson." The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 July 2012.
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents>.
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Grade 11 English Language Arts
Office of Secondary English Language
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