Government Quotes by George Washington

Influence is not government.

— George Washington

Influence is no Government.

— George Washington

A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.

— George Washington

Even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror.

— George Washington

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.

— George Washington

To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the whole is indispensable.

— George Washington

In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude.

— George Washington

The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.

— George Washington

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence - it is force.

— George Washington

Government is at best a petulant servant and at worst a tyrannical master.

— George Washington

The United States enjoy a scene of prosperity and tranquility under the new government that could hardly have been hoped for.

— George Washington

The situation of the general government, if it can be called a government, is shaken to its foundation, and liable to be…

— George Washington

I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of…

— George Washington

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force...Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

— George Washington

The executive branch of this government never has, nor will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape…

— George Washington

History and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.

— George Washington

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for…

— George Washington

Peace with all the world is my sincere wish. I am sure it is our true policy, and am persuaded it is…

— George Washington

I have always given it as my decided opinion that no nation had a right to intermeddle in the internal concerns of…

— George Washington

In the discharge of this trust I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed toward the organization and administration…

— George Washington

The due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government, I have considered the first arrangement of the judicial department…

— George Washington

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply,…

— George Washington

The General most earnestly requires, and expects, a due observance of those articles of war, established for the government of the army…

— George Washington

This Government, the offspring of your own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its…

— George Washington

Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination…

— George Washington

When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was visibly manifested, in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing us for…

— George Washington

Upon the whole I doubt whether the Benefits of opposition to the Constitution opposition to the Constitution will not ultimately be productive…

— George Washington

You will permit me to say, that a greater drama is now acting on this theatre than has heretofore been brought on…

— George Washington

What astonishing changes a few years are capable of producing! I am told that even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form…

— George Washington

My fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe; who presides in the councils of nations; and whose providential…

— George Washington

It has always been a source of serious reflection and sincere regret with me that the youth of the United States should…

— George Washington

If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from…

— George Washington

I shall take my present leave - but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in…

— George Washington

For myself the delay [in assuming the office of the President] may be compared with a reprieve; for in confidence I assure…

— George Washington

A half-starved limping government, always moving upon crutches and tottering at every step...

— George Washington

Happiness is more effectually dispensed to mankind under a republican form of government than any other.

— George Washington

Precedents are dangerous things; let the rein of government then be braced and held with a steady hand

— George Washington

The U.S. is a Government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance.

— George Washington

[V]irtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.

— George Washington

The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.

— George Washington