Becoming Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“When a government betrays the people by amassing too much power and becoming tyrannical, the people have no choice but to exercise their original right of self-defense — to fight the government.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Federalist Papers, No. 23, 1787
When a government becomes oppressive, citizens retain the right to defend themselves, potentially by force.
In simple terms: People can resist tyrannical rule.
Key Takeaway
Defend liberty against oppression.
Themes
freedom
rights
government
resistance
Mood
defiant
urgent
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- civil disobedience
- protest movements
Key Concepts
social contract
legitimacy
self‑defense
Questions to Reflect On
- What constitutes legitimate self‑defense?
- When should citizens act?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may lead to violence and instability.
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
