Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He is best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which proclaimed the colonies' freedom from British rule. Jefferson was a strong advocate for individual rights and democracy, and he played a key role in shaping the early government of the United States. In addition to his political career, Jefferson was also an accomplished architect and founded the University of Virginia. He was a proponent of education and believed in the importance of knowledge for a functioning democracy. Jefferson's legacy continues to influence American values and governance today.