Branches of government Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“A judiciary independent of a king or executive alone, is a good thing; but independence of the will of the nation is a solecism, at least in a republican government.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1787
A judiciary must be independent from both the executive and the will of the people to avoid tyranny.
In simple terms: Balance power among branches and public opinion.
Key Takeaway
Uphold checks and balances.
Themes
politics
law
republicanism
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court rulings
- public policy debates
- constitutional education
Key Concepts
separation of powers
democratic theory
citizen sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can courts stay impartial yet responsive?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Too much independence can alienate the populace.
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![“One single object . . . [will merit] the endless gratitude of the society: that of restraining the judges from usurping legislation.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/934/thomas-jefferson-43_endless_one-single-object-will-merit-the-endless_340610.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
![“[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/867/thomas-jefferson-43_acquiescence_the-purpose-of-a-written-constitution-is_244689.jpg)
