--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A government capable of controlling the…" description: "\"A government capable of controlling the whole, and bringing its force to a point, is one of the prerequisites for national liberty. We combine in socie..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d02/oliver-ellsworth-29122_abroad_a-government-capable-of-controlling-the_268618.jpg" --- # A government capable of controlling the whole, and… ![“A government capable of controlling the whole, and bringing its force to a point, is one of the prerequisites for national liberty. We combine in society, with an expectation to have our persons and properties defended against unreasonable exactions either at home or abroad.” quote by Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d02/oliver-ellsworth-29122_abroad_a-government-capable-of-controlling-the_268618.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d02/oliver-ellsworth-29122_abroad_a-government-capable-of-controlling-the_268618.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d02/oliver-ellsworth-29122_abroad_a-government-capable-of-controlling-the_268618.jpg) > “A government capable of controlling the whole, and bringing its force to a point, is one of the prerequisites for national liberty. We combine in society, with an expectation to have our persons and properties defended against unreasonable exactions either at home or abroad.” [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A strong central authority is needed to protect citizens’ rights and property from unjust demands both domestically and internationally. **In simple terms:** Government must be strong to safeguard liberty. Key Takeaway Ensure institutions balance power and protect rights. Themes government liberty security law citizenship Mood cautious reflective Type political philosophical When to use this quote - national defense - legal reforms - property protection - civil liberties Key Concepts social contract state authority individual rights Questions to Reflect On - How can we prevent abuse of centralized power? - What safeguards ensure liberty remains protected? A Different Perspective Power can become oppressive if unchecked. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Home](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/home/) [Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberty/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/society/) ## Related quotes > [“Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/liberty-is-a-word-which-according-as-it-is-used-comprehends-the-most/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [We're decaying pieces of cabbage, on a cosmological journey to destroy everything. With no set purpose, but that is given by society. 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At least…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-dedman/nbc-news-found-that-fema-has-redrawn-maps-even-for-properties-that/) [Bill Dedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-dedman/) ## More by Oliver Ellsworth > [A people cannot long retain their freedom, whose government is incapable of protecting them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/a-people-cannot-long-retain-their-freedom-whose-government-is/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [The Thirteen States are Thirteen Sovereign bodies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/the-thirteen-states-are-thirteen-sovereign-bodies/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [The powers of congress must be defined, but their means must be adequate to the purposes of their constitution. 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Justly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/liberty-is-a-word-which-according-as-it-is-used-comprehends-the-most-2/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [The sole purpose and effect of it is to exclude persecution and to secure the important right of religious liberty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/the-sole-purpose-and-effect-of-it-is-to-exclude-persecution-and-to/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [A desire of gain is common to mankind, and the general motive to business and industry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/a-desire-of-gain-is-common-to-mankind-and-the-general-motive-to/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [All good men wish the entire abolition of slavery, as soon as it can take place with safety to the public, and for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-ellsworth/all-good-men-wish-the-entire-abolition-of-slavery-as-soon-as-it-can/) [Oliver Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-ellsworth/) > [Legislatures have no right to set up an inquisition and examine into the private opinions of men. 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