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.”
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.
Respect the social contract.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting
- public policy
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is obedience always moral?
- When should citizens resist?
It ignores when governments become unjust.