Thomas Jefferson and Revolution
Thomas Jefferson understood the need for revolution as well as an authentic Constitution. Jefferson's views on revolution were through his proposal for a little rebellion in the political world because it would help to create a functional government (Jefferry, " Boccanfuso, 2012). Through his book Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson portrayed his goals through various philosophies of freedom, liberty, and national freedom, and even participated in drafting a constitution that would be a guiding article to his new nation (Jefferry, " Boccanfuso, 2012). Whereas Jefferson believed that nothing was unchangeable, it is crucial to relate his thoughts to the models of Karl Marx's Conflict Theory and Johnson's Functional Theory.
Jefferson's reactions to Karl Max's Conflict Theory
Through his approach to the Constitution, Jefferson believed that it was viable for its amendment using human wisdom. In his work, Skocpol illustrated that the constitution had to be on the same track with the progress of the human mind (Skocpol, 2015). Therefore, Jefferson believed that each generation had the right to choose the type of government they thought it would promote their happiness. On that matter, it is possible that Jefferson would react positively to Max's Conflict Theory. The Marx' Conflict Theory illustrated on the causes and consequences of class conflict, which arose between owners of production factories, and the working class or the poor (Skocpol, 2015). Focusing on the two, Jefferson and Karl Marx's ideas intermarry because they advocated for revolution, which would result from the struggle of the oppressed majority seeking equal consideration by the powerful minority. According to Cahill (2013), Jefferson insisted that American's history was coupled with cynical and arrogant abuse of false power. The philosopher often referred to the phrase that no one could fool all the people all the time, which was a phrase that called for the struggle against corruption and oppression. On the other hand, Marx theorized that the oppression of the majority by the powerful minority created class conflict because the two groups had different interests and there was an unjust distribution of resources. According to Marx, a struggle and evolution would exist to help create changes.
Jefferson's Reactions to Johnson's Functional Theory
Since Jefferson understands the right to be free, he would take a positive approach to John's model. Skocpol (2015), states that the Functional Model, revolution is the preferred strategy of change when elites in the system oppose change and when dysfunctions in the system exceed the accepted methods of problem-solving. Like Jefferson, Johnson believes that revolution requires some ingredients that propel society towards a revolutionary outcome. Also, John's model illustrates that revolution may or not occur when the nation has various dysfunctions along with the elite refusal to change plus the presence of accelerators (Cahill, 2013). Therefore, Jefferson and Johnson's philosophies apply to a similar situation; where they state that personal tensions are likely occurring equilibrium of a social system becomes more acute. Just like Jefferson, Johnson's model illustrates that power holders should be wary of existent of deviant subcultural groups. In other words, the presence of deviant subgroups in society is a representation of the angry and crazy people who think that revolution can solve their problems. Therefore, Johnson's typology suggests that revolutionary social movements help to respond to social dysfunctions caused by social changes.
Conclusion
After discussing Chalmers Johnson and Karl Marx's theories, it is evident that Jefferson would accommodate both ideas regarding revolutionary movements. All the three philosophers termed rebellion a good thing in case elites attacked the rights that protect people in the constitution. In other words, the three philosophers had a plan for moving a country forward by calling out the mob. In other words, the notion of little rebellion calls for a democratic government because they felt the ruling minority was oppressing people.
References
Cahill, K.M. (2013).To bear witness: a journey of healing and solidarity, updated, revised, and expanded. Oxford: Fordham University Press.
Jefferry, G., " Boccanfuso, E. (2012). Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of independence. New York: Gareth Stevens Publishers.
Skocpol, T. (2015). States and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of France, Russia, and China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
