Myrtle Said:

Philosophy type essay question help!?

We Answered:

Actually it's saying that their ideas are the same, in terms of the need to educate America's citizens. Hence the phrase "Jeffersonian/Madisonian model": the names are joined as representing a single idea.

Basically, they're BOTH in support of a public higher education system (i.e. a college system funded by the government itself, not just privately). Keep in mind that, under a public system, ALL American citizens have access to a college education, not just the ones whose parents are rich enough to afford it.

So here are their ideas in a nutshell (it helps me when I think of them as characters in a play, who are saying their basic ideas themselves. I even change their actual quotes if it clarifies things more.)

Thomas Jefferson: "America needs a public higher education because (1) it develops, educates, and informs citizens; and (2) it will help our economy develop WITHOUT the help of other nations.

James Madison: "A government for the people in which the PEOPLE/general public are not educated would lead to ridiculousness or tragedy" ["information and the means of receiving it" = education]

The assignment isn't asking you to pick one idea, because the ideas are in fact one and the same: a public higher education system is a GOOD thing for America. It's not even concerned about whether or not you believe in this "engaged/informed citizen" model. It's simply asking you to show how your OWN life (in terms of personal life, school, and work/occupation) falls in line with their model.

Hope this helps, and good luck!