Government Quotes by James Monroe

8 Government quotes by James Monroe

All Government quotes James Monroe’s page

For a quick dip into early American presidential thought, these eight short excerpts capture his reflections on sovereignty, foreign policy, and the role of the state.

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The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

James Monroe

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How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose…

James Monroe

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[In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in…

James Monroe

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If it was wise, manly, and patriotic for us to establish a free government, it is equally wise to attend to the…

James Monroe

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Of the liberty of conscience in matters of religious faith, of speech and of the press; of the trial by jury of…

James Monroe

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It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising…

James Monroe

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Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.

James Monroe

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It is the knowledge that all men have weaknesses and that many have vices that makes government necessary.

James Monroe

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The principles and passions of men are always the same and lead to the same result, varying only according to the circumstances in which…

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The crime of ingratitude has not yet stained, and I trust never will stain, our national character. You are considered by them as not…

James Monroe

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If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of…

James Monroe

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In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, not does it comport with our…

James Monroe

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The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

James Monroe

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Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the…

James Monroe

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By the last returns to the Department of War the militia force of the several States may be estimated at 800,000 men - infantry,…

James Monroe

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In wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy…

James Monroe

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Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.

James Monroe

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A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.

James Monroe

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There is a price tag on human liberty. That price is the willingness to assume the responsibilities of being free men. Payment of this…

James Monroe

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By these purchases the Indian title, with moderate reservations, has been extinguished to the whole of the land within the limits of the State…

James Monroe

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I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty…

James Monroe

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The mention of Greece fills the mind with the most exalted sentiments and arouses in our bosoms the best feelings of which our nature…

James Monroe

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How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check…

James Monroe

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