What reasons might Jefferson have given for not going into politics in colinal Virgina?

Answer 1

Jefferson served in the Virginia legislature and the Continental Congress, and was governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War. Though he did not serve as a soldier, he did make his views known.

Answer 2

Thomas Jefferson had a full plate with regards to politics at all levels. Clearly he was more interested in Federal government politics. With that said, he held several important posts in Virginia, including the Governorship. However, the summary of his career touches upon several political levels. Here are some examples:

* In 1769 he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses;

* Elected as a representative from Virginia to the first Continental Congress;

* Elected as a Virginia represesntive to the Second Continental Congress;

* Served from 1776 to 1779 as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates;

* From 1783 to 1779 as a delegate of Virginia in Congress to help establish a coinage system;

* 1779 to 1781 elected as Governor of Virginia;

* 1785 to 1789 was minister to France;

* 1790 to 1793 was the Secretary of State;

* Ran for President in 1796 but lost; and

* Ran for President in 1800 and won two terms.