Class Quote by John Adams
“Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Political Treatise, John Adams, 1776
Government exists for the common good, not profit; people have the right to change it when needed.
In simple terms: Governments serve people, not profit; people can reform them.
Key Takeaway
Engage in civic action.
Themes
government
rights
reform
Mood
determined
serious
Type
political
advice
When to use this quote
- voting
- protests
- policy advocacy
- community meetings
Key Concepts
political theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms are most urgent?
- How can citizens responsibly demand change?
A Different Perspective
Changing government can be slow and risky.
![“I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. They are the most glorious nation…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e34/john-adams-529_affair_i-will-insist-the-hebrews-have-contribut_104004.jpg)
