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Thomas Jefferson viewed the nature of the common man as self-motivated and egocentric, having little faith in their moral conduct, honorable abilities, and reasoning skills, though politically he was a strong advocate of the rights of the states verses a sovereign central government. He believed government to be not a means of controlling and restricting the people of a nation, but instead thought it as an institution put in place by the people and for the people. Jefferson felt that both individuals and governments are subject to moral law, suggesting that morality refers to conduct that is proper in society, and rightful government necessarily reflects this proper relationship in its policies and in its dealings with its own citizens and with other nations.
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