Thomas Jefferson walked a fine line as he delivered his first Inaugural Address. Though he had previously sympathized with the anti-federalists, advocating for states' rights and a less powerful federal government, Jefferson appeared to shift toward a federalist point of view in an attempt to present himself as a more moderate figure. In this speech, he applauded the Constitution. He declared that it would guide him during his time in office and that it was necessary that the American people unite around it. Jefferson deviated further from the anti-federalist approach, saying that the new United States government was the "strongest Government on earth." However, Jefferson softened this viewpoint to any that might disagree with him by emphasizing that the government's power would come from the people and that its purpose would be to protect the rights and livliehoods of its constituents. He resolved to be friendly with foreign countries without engaging in alliances. He promised to encourage agriculture and pay back debts. Most of all, he told the American people to accept differences in political opinion and understand that all Americans are united by the same core principles.
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