I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Government Quotes

Power is not alluring to pure minds

Power is not alluring to pure minds

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the...

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the...

Force is the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism.

Force is the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism.

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice...

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice...

The second office in the government is honorable and easy; the first is but a...

The second office in the government is honorable and easy; the first is but a...

Traveling makes a man wiser, but less happy.

Traveling makes a man wiser, but less happy.

It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.

It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.

I think with the Romans, that the general of today should be a soldier tomorrow...

I think with the Romans, that the general of today should be a soldier tomorrow...

In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When...

In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When...

History has informed us that bodies of men as well as individuals are susceptible of...

History has informed us that bodies of men as well as individuals are susceptible of...

The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.

The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.

We are endeavoring, too, to reduce the government to the practice of a rigorous economy,...

We are endeavoring, too, to reduce the government to the practice of a rigorous economy,...

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.

I am for a government rigorously frugal and simple, applying all the possible savings of...

I am for a government rigorously frugal and simple, applying all the possible savings of...

This is the fourth?

This is the fourth?

No nation is drunken where wine is cheap; and none sober, where the dearness of...

No nation is drunken where wine is cheap; and none sober, where the dearness of...

Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.

Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.

The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as they are injurious to...

The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as they are injurious to...

Washington is a place where politicians don't know which way is up and taxes don't...

Washington is a place where politicians don't know which way is up and taxes don't...

The more government takes in taxes, the less incentive people have to work. What coal...

The more government takes in taxes, the less incentive people have to work. What coal...