Thomas Jefferson’s views on democracy were shaped by defining moments, including his drafting of the Declaration of Independence. This experience cemented his belief in individual rights and liberty. The Enlightenment ideals he absorbed during his education cultivated his appreciation for reason and rational government. Additionally, his time in France during the Revolution allowed him to witness alternative forms of governance, further influencing his political philosophy. Jefferson’s conflicting ownership of enslaved people highlighted the complexities of his advocacy for freedom, challenging his ideals and revealing the contradictions within his approach to democracy.