Free government Quote by Samuel Williams
![“[A] free government . . . cannot be supported without Virtue.” quote by Samuel Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d51/samuel-williams-80203_free-government_a-free-government-cannot-be-supported-wi_1535429.jpg)
“[A] free government . . . cannot be supported without Virtue.”
About This Quote
A government cannot survive without moral excellence among its leaders and citizens.
In simple terms: Virtue is essential for governance.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue.
Themes
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy
- elections
- community building
Key Concepts
civic virtue
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues are most needed today?
- How to embed virtue in institutions?
A Different Perspective
Virtue alone may not ensure stability.
![“[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/495/john-adams-529_american-founding-fa_i-t-is-religion-and-morality-alone-which_2063414.jpg)
![“[A] power equal to every possible contingency must exist somewhere in the government . . .” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2a/alexander-hamilton-619_contingency_a-power-equal-to-every-possible-continge_812132.jpg)
![“[I]f we assume a liberty interest but nevertheless say that, even assuming a liberty interest, a state can prohibit it entirely, that would be rather a conundrum.” quote by William Rehnquist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16f/william-rehnquist-28058_assuming_i-f-we-assume-a-liberty-interest-but-nev_1642233.jpg)
![“[We are] no longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and the duress of small groups of dominant men.” quote by Woodrow Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7bc/woodrow-wilson-534_america-freedom_we-are-no-longer-a-government-by-free-op_2645169.jpg)
![“[T]he state should not impose a preferred way of life, but should leave its citizens as free as possible to choose their own values and ends, consistent with a similar liberty for others.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/719/anonymous-1_citizens_t-he-state-should-not-impose-a-preferred_2056429.jpg)
