Civic virtue is best defined as the habits of personal living that contribute to the overall success of a community. Thomas Jefferson lived a life that perfectly embodied all aspects of civic virtue because he was always concerned with improving the power and position of the United States. He drafted the Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution and served as an ambassador for the United States. He held public office in the colonial legislature and as governor of Virginia, served as secretary of state under President Washington, and was the third President of the United States. Beyond politics, Jefferson was an avid supporter of arts and education. In fact, when the Library of Congress burned down, he donated his entire library to help rebuild the collection.
