08651. THE IDEA OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY IN THE WRITINGS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON. Analyzes Jefferson's concept of political authority which for Jefferson was the power of those in positions of leadership to affect the lives of the governed. Considers the influence of Locke in Jefferson's political ideas and compares the popular orientation of Jefferson with elitist orientation of his contemporary, Alexander Hamilton. 22 pages, 47 footnotes, 14 bibliographic sources.