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Government Quote by George Washington

“The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.” quote by George Washington
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“The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.”

George Washington

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Continental Congress, 1787

The quote argues that popular sovereignty requires citizens to obey the government they create.

In simple terms: People must obey the government they establish.

Key Takeaway

Respect the social contract.

Themes

politics citizenship authority

Mood

reflective serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • public policy
  • civic engagement

Key Concepts

social contract legitimacy obedience

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is obedience always moral?
  • When should citizens resist?
A Different Perspective

It ignores when governments become unjust.

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