Argument Quote by Daniel Webster
“We are bound to maintain public liberty, and, by the example of our own systems, to convince the world that order and law, religion and morality, the rights of conscience, the rights of persons, and the rights of property, may all be preserved and secured, in the most perfect manner, by a government entirely and purely elective. If we fail in this, our disaster will be significant, and will furnish an argument, stronger than has yet been found, in support of those opinions which maintain that government can rest safely on nothing but power and coercion.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional address, 1851
Advocates that a government elected by the people must protect liberty, law, religion, morality, and property; failure justifies authoritarian rule.
In simple terms: Democracy must safeguard rights; otherwise tyranny rises.
Key Takeaway
Protect rights through elected government.
Themes
liberty
government
rights
democracy
law
Mood
cautious
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Legislative debates
- citizen voting
- policy making
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Social contract
political theory
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure elected leaders uphold rights?
- What safeguards prevent power abuse?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all elected officials act ethically; neglects power dynamics.
![“Government, in its very essence, is opposed to all increase in knowledge. Its tendency is always towards permanence and against change...[T]he progress of humanity, far from being the result of government, has been made entirely without its aid and in the face if its constant and bitter opposition.” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1e/h-l-mencken-245_aids_government-in-its-very-essence-is-oppose_2900850.jpg)
