"

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.

"

That government is best which governs the least because its people discipline themselves.

"

The opinions of men are not the object of civil government, nor under its jurisdiction.

"

If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It...more

"

Every man wishes to pursue his occupation and to enjoy the fruits of his labours and the produce of his property in peace and safety and with the lea...more

"

It is more dangerous that even a guilty person should be punished without the forms of law than that he should escape.

"

If it is believed that these elementary schools will be better managed by the governor and council or any other general authority of the government, t...more

"

In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution.

"

Thomas Jefferson's Letter to John Holmes on the Missouri Statehood Question – April 20, 1820I thank you, dear Sir, for the copy you have been so kind ...more

"

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these lib...more

"

Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we foun...more

"

History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.

"

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

"

The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government and to protect its free expression should be our first object.

"

So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not done, either cannot, or o...more