What principle did Jefferson assert regarding individual rights?

Thomas Jefferson strongly emphasized the idea that individual rights are paramount and should take precedence over obligations to the state. This principle is reflected in the Declaration of Independence, where he articulates the belief that individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson's philosophy asserted that the government's role is to protect these rights, rather than to grant them; thus, individual rights exist independently of government authority. This concept forms a foundational aspect of American democracy, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal freedoms against potential government overreach. In this context, prioritizing individual rights over obligations to the state serves to empower citizens and uphold personal autonomy within a democratic society.