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![Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) to Roger C. Weightman (1786-1876).](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170125195225im_/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/assets/aa/jefferson/aa_jefferson_declar_4_m.jpg)
A letter Jefferson wrote 10 days before he died about the benefits of self-government
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The Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson contributed greatly to the development of the United States, but the single most important item was the Declaration of Independence. His belief that each generation has the chance to remake the country's laws and constitutions was truly visionary. As you can see from this letter, written 10 days before he died, even at the end of his life, Jefferson believed in the blessings of self-government and an ever-changing society in which the people through their elected representatives continue to make new laws. Can you think of some laws that have been made recently?
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