Thomas Jefferson valued the government and when sculpting a university, Thomas Jefferson though it was a great opportunity to teach the youth important elements of the government. If people have a solid base understanding of government, they will be able to be successful in government and run a successful government. Thomas Jefferson wrote "wherever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government." http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/118 Jefferson knew that by teaching aspects of government at the University of Virginia would ensure that the government of our nation is not only strong, but sustainable.

This class was very important to Thomas Jefferson because Jefferson cherished strong thinking and the innovation of thought. In a letter to Charles McPherson, Thomas Jefferson says, "the glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money." http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/2255 This shows the importance that Thomas Jefferson places on ideology and why he included it as a class to be taught at the University of Virginia.

It is important to note such a high standing figure in American history is on the board of the University of Virginia along with Thomas Jefferson. This is significant because James Madison valued many of the same things as Thomas Jefferson and the two were even "lifelong friends." James Madison worked with Thomas Jefferson in the government and even served as Secretary of State while Thomas Jefferson was president. The values of rhetoric and freedom that Thomas Jefferson held dearly were also shared with James Madison. The two were such close friends and colleges, that after Thomas Jefferson died, James Madison took over leadership of the University of Virginia.

https://www.biography.com/people/james-madison-9394965

(quotes above taken from this website)

The use of language was very important to the founding of this country and in writing the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was one of the main authors of the Declaration and the importance of language while writing the document can clearly be seen in the link below. I believe that Thomas Jefferson translated this need for a strong understanding for language into his university by offering this class on "the construction of language."

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/declaration-independence-lesson-language-history/