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Government Quote by Ezra Taft Benson

“Since man created government to help secure and safeguard [inalienable] rights [from God], it follows that man is superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around.” quote by Ezra Taft Benson
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“Since man created government to help secure and safeguard [inalienable] rights [from God], it follows that man is superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around.”

Ezra Taft Benson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Talk at General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1975

Government exists to protect God‑given rights; thus people must retain ultimate authority over it.

In simple terms: People should rule government, not be ruled by it.

Key Takeaway

Guard personal liberty against governmental overreach.

Themes

politics rights authority

Mood

defiant reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • civic activism
  • policy debate
  • legal challenges

Key Concepts

social contract natural law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance security with freedom?
  • When should government limits be challenged?
A Different Perspective

Power can be abused even when intended to protect rights.

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