Thomas Jefferson vs John Adams on the 12 Axes
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were rivals in the elections of 1796 and 1800, later friends, and both died on July 4, 1826. Both lean Self-reliant on Welfare, but Jefferson leans Local and Secular while Adams leans Central and Religious.
- Structure
Thomas Jefferson leans Local (-60), John Adams leans Central (+35): 95 points apart.
- Security
Thomas Jefferson leans Liberty (-40), John Adams leans Order (+50): 90 points apart.
- Religion
Thomas Jefferson leans Secular (-55), John Adams leans Religious (+35): 90 points apart.
- Authority
Thomas Jefferson leans Democratic (-50), John Adams leans Democratic (-10): 40 points apart.
- Welfare
Both lean Self-reliant: +45 and +40.
- Culture
Both lean National identity: +30 and +35.
- Foreign policy
Both lean Strength: +15 and +20.
- Ownership
Both lean Private: +50 and +40.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Thomas Jefferson | John Adams | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | +50 | +40 | 10 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | +30 | +15 | 15 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | +45 | +40 | 5 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | -50 | -10 | 40 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | -40 | +50 | 90 |
| StructureLocal to Central | -60 | +35 | 95 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | +35 | +50 | 15 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -55 | +35 | 90 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | +20 | No record | - |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | +30 | +35 | 5 |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | -10 | +10 | 20 |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | +15 | +20 | 5 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Thomas Jefferson or John Adams?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
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How similar are Thomas Jefferson and John Adams?
On the 11 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 75% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Structure, Security, Religion, Authority.
Who is more economically left-wing, Thomas Jefferson or John Adams?
John Adams sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 10 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Thomas Jefferson or John Adams?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Thomas Jefferson leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 75 points on average.
