Thomas Jefferson believed that education could allow for equality of opportunity and the practice of true democracy, as outlined in chapter 3 of American Education. Over two hundred years later we are still using education as a means to greater opportunity and social equality. In my opinion, one of the purposes of education in America should be a people knowledgeable enough to participate actively in the protection and preservation of democracy. For example, people should be educated enough to understand important political issues and vote in accordance with their beliefs. The study of American history and government help us to reach these ends. The URL listed below links to a wonderful site with history of the Declaration of Independence and actual photographs of the document.