McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson LXVII · Part 7: Lessons LXI-LXX: Brutus and Cassius to Hayne
73. Political Toleration (Thomas Jefferson)
Goal: Your student reads part of Jefferson's first inaugural address and explains its call for unity after a bitter election.
You'll need
- The book, or the scan beside this guide
- A notebook and pen
- A dictionary
What's in the book
A full author note on Jefferson, then part of his inaugural address, with a note on the bitter party feeling of the election that brought him to office.
The lesson, step by step
Words and meanings
Read the book's note: Jefferson had lost the earlier election to John Adams, but the Federal Party lost favor, and Jefferson then won the presidency over his former rival. This selection is from his inaugural address.
Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: toleration, minority, principle, harmony.
About the author
The book says Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), third President of the United States, wrote the Declaration of Independence and served as governor of Virginia, minister to France, Secretary of State and President. He founded the University of Virginia and died on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration.
Read it aloud
Your student reads the selection aloud. Sentences to find:
Let us then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind.
But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.
Talk about it
SayWhat does Jefferson say the majority owes the minority?
SayExplain: "every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle."
SayHe says "We are all Republicans; we are all Federalists." Why would a new president say that?
SayHow could his advice help in our own time?
Tell it back
Your student gives Jefferson's main points in four sentences.
Copywork and memory
Copy and learn:
But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.
Write (optional)
Write a paragraph on how to disagree with someone and stay friends.