Question

thomas jefferson was one of the architects of the american revolution. twenty - four years later, he became the third president of the united states. jefferson wrote the declaration of independence, outlining the ideas that the new american government would have at its foundation.
but even though he was a brilliant thinker, he was full of contradictions. for example, he was a first - big advocate of states rights and limiting federal powers. but then as president, he used the power of the federal government and its national bank, which he had originally opposed, to make the louisiana purchase, a major territorial acquisition.
what is the main idea of the second paragraph?
a thomas jefferson wrote the declaration of independence.
b thomas jefferson was a brilliant thinker who often contradicted himself.
c thomas jefferson advocated for states rights.
d thomas jefferson made the louisiana purchase.

Explanation:

The second - paragraph starts by stating Jefferson was brilliant but full of contradictions and then gives an example of his contradictory actions regarding states' rights and federal power use.

Answer:

B. Thomas Jefferson was a brilliant thinker who often contradicted himself.