Administration Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government; I mean an additional article taking from the Federal Government the power of borrowing.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to James Madison, 1802
Advocates a constitutional amendment to limit federal borrowing power, aiming to reduce government size and influence
In simple terms: Calls for a single amendment to curb federal borrowing
Key Takeaway
Consider a targeted amendment to limit government debt
Themes
government
constitution
fiscal policy
limited government
political reform
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
historical
policy
When to use this quote
- Congressional debates
- constitutional conventions
- budget negotiations
- public policy advocacy
Key Concepts
Federalism
separation of powers
budgetary restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- How would restricting borrowing affect economic stability?
- What alternative reforms could achieve similar goals?
A Different Perspective
Amendments are hard to pass and may not address broader fiscal issues
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![“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)
