Thomas Jefferson's political philosophy was grounded in several key principles, primarily the value of individual liberty and the importance of democratic governance. Advocating for a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed, he emphasized the need for separation of church and state and the protection of natural rights. His belief in freedom of speech and the press was pivotal in shaping American democracy. Jefferson's ideas profoundly influenced the founding documents of the United States, notably the Declaration of Independence.