Certain Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“It [appears] that however certain forms of government are better calculated than others to protect individuals in the free exercise of their natural rights, and are at the same time themselves better guarded against degeneracy, yet experience [has] shown that, even under the best forms, those…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3fd/thomas-jefferson-43_certain_it-appears-that-however-certain-forms-of_1041215.jpg)
“It [appears] that however certain forms of government are better calculated than others to protect individuals in the free exercise of their natural rights, and are at the same time themselves better guarded against degeneracy, yet experience [has] shown that, even under the best forms, those entrusted with power have, in time and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
Governments can protect rights but often become tyrannical over time due to power abuse.
In simple terms: Power tends to corrupt even good systems.
Key Takeaway
Vigilance against abuse is essential.
Themes
politics
power
rights
tyranny
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- citizen oversight
- transparency initiatives
- checks and balances
Key Concepts
social contract
corruption
institutional decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies design lasting safeguards?
- What signs indicate emerging tyranny?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑designed systems can be subverted by human nature.
![“[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)
