I like the power given the Legislature to levy taxes, and for that reason solely I approve of the greater house being chosen by the people directly. For though I think a house so chosen. . . Will be very illy [badly] qualified to legislate for the Union, for foreign nations, etc. , yet this evil does not weigh against the good of preserving. . . The fundamental principle that the people are not to be taxed but by representatives chosen. . . By themselves. –Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, December 20, 1787 In this passage, Jefferson offers his opinion about certain details of the legislature. Why does Jefferson approve of having the House of Representatives chosen by voters? Common people should choose their own representatives. The representatives will be highly qualified to lead. People should only be taxed by representatives whom they have elected. The representatives will have experience with foreign relations.