Exploring the Necessity of Tax Supported Education

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Tax supported education was deemed necessary by Thomas Jefferson and many other constituents. Taxation for education was an insurance premium that the wealthy paid for stability and democracy. One important factor that they did not want was ignorance to set in and that is what we would be left with to make our future political office, let alone our future presidents. How can a country run on ignorance? Many cannot afford to send their children to school, so therefore by having taxes cover the cost of school, this would allow many more children and even adults to get an education to better themselves and our economy. We will take a look at why Jefferson was so adamant about tax supported education. We will also look at who it affected positively and negatively. Finally we will look at what the impact did for today’s education and future of our great Nation.

Jefferson did not agree with the idea that schools should impose political values or mold the honorable republican citizen. He instead believed that the function of education was to make the common man literate enough to practice reason and to develop political beliefs. Public tax supported schools exist so as to supply education in one’s civic duties. They are a requirement for the intelligent exercise of suffrage and for the safeguarding of our political institutions. For Jefferson, public schools would also help to identify an elite group of individuals which would then be sent on to college to prepare for leadership. This group would become a natural aristocracy. In a letter written to Joseph Cabell, Feb. 2, 1816, Jefferson stated,

“If it is believed that these elementary schools will be better managed by the Governor and Council, the commissioners of the literary fund, ...

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...the roads for our future democracy. We have looked back on history and realized everything that was done back then was done for us. Some question whether or not it was a right decision, but they don’t seem to be giving their education back and paying for it themselves. We always look for handouts but are quick to criticize those who take it for granted. Let’s look at the real reason here, which are our children and their children. The past history has taken care of us, now what history will we make to take care of the future?

Works Cited

Jeffersonian Education. (n.d.). Retrieved August 06, 2010, from Jeffersonian Education: http://www.quaqua.org/Jefferson.htm

Kennedy, D. M. (2010). The American Pageant. Boston: Wadsworth.

The Early Years. (n.d.). Retrieved August 06, 2010, from The Early Years: http://www.publiceducation.org/newsblast/pdf/Chapter_One.pdf

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