Difficult Quote by Daniel Webster

The most basic function of government is to provide a framework of law and order, within which the people are free to choose.

— Thomas Sowell

The only proper functions of a government are: the police, to protect you from criminals; the army, to protect you from foreign invaders; and…

— Ayn Rand

Government is a necessary evil

— Thomas Paine

“The only proper purpose of a government is to protect man's rights, which means: to protect him from physical violence. The only proper functions…

— Ayn Rand

Personally, I think government is a tool, like a hammer. You can use a hammer to build or you can use a hammer to…

— Molly Ivins

A famous, very often quoted phrase says: "That government is best, which governs least." I do not believe this to be a correct description…

— Ludwig von Mises

Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various…

— George Mason

Government is an unnecessary evil. Human beings, when accustomed to taking responsibility for their own behavior, can cooperate on a basis of mutual trust…

— Fred Woodworth

That government is not a necessary good but an unavoidable evil.

— Lyn Nofziger

It is the duty of government to make it difficult for people to do wrong, easy to do right.

— William E. Gladstone

The purpose of government is to reign in the rights of the people.

— Bill Clinton

The effect of a good government is to make life more valuable; of a bad one, to make it less valuable.

— Henry David Thoreau