[republicanwizard]

Thomas Jefferson was not present at the Constitutional Convention, and as such, could not be regarded as an expert. I'm more convinced by Madison and Hamilton, both of whom would be in opposition to seceding.

Unfortunately, Jefferson was more versed in theory than practice of power.

[Sequoya]

Hamilton wrote Federalist 81 and was eloquent about the sovereignty of the states.

Jefferson was still in France during the Constitutional Convention but they relied heavily on his previous writings. Jefferson was very influential in the formation of the Constitution even though he wasn’t there for the debates.

But many people don’t like Jefferson as much as other founders and I find that interesting. Jefferson is one of my favorites. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Sam Adams, and Patrick Henry are my favorites.

[Aurelius]

"I'm more convinced by Madison and Hamilton, both of whom would be in opposition to seceding. "

Alexander Hamilton said "to coerce the states is one of the maddest projects that was ever devised."

[GOPcapitalist]

Thomas Jefferson was not present at the Constitutional Convention, and as such, could not be regarded as an expert.

Now that conclusion is utter nonsense. It is well known that Jefferson wrote to Madison in reference to the contents of the Constitution and provided a basis for many of the proposals Madison made. Madison in turn wrote back to him with similar commentary of what was happening. In a sense, Madison was both Jefferson's voice and his ears at the convention.

That Jefferson was aware of its formation is documented directly in his autobiography. It is also considered a key turning point in American history that Jefferson decided not to endorse the opposition to the document during Virginia's ratification. Virginia had two strong and prominent founding fathers who were not keen to the ratification of the Constitution: Patrick Henry and George Mason. Had Jefferson lent his name to their side, it would have been impossible for Madison to overcome.

And all that goes without saying that Jefferson himself was a two term president under the Constitution and was actively involved in the top levels of the government prior to his own presidency under the first two administrations to occur by that Constitution. In other words, to suggest that Jefferson should not be regarded as an expert on the Constitution is just plain silly.