Agents Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“If, then, the control of the people over the organs of their government be the measure of its republicanism, and I confess I know no other measure, it must be agreed that our governments have much less of republicanism than ought to have been expected; in other words, that the people have less regular control over their agents, than their rights and their interests require.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to John Adams, 1787
Republicanism is measured by how much people control their government; current governments fall short of this ideal.
In simple terms: People should control government; they don't enough.
Key Takeaway
Increase popular oversight.
Themes
government
democracy
citizen control
political theory
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- public consultations
- civic education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
Republicanism
political legitimacy
citizen agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens regain effective control?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Power can be limited by institutional inertia and elite resistance.
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