Continue Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“No government can continue good, but under the control of the people.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1816, to John Adams
Government must be accountable to the people; power without popular control leads to corruption.
In simple terms: People should control government.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability from leaders.
Themes
politics
democracy
citizenship
control
accountability
Mood
concerned
reflective
hopeful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- civic engagement
- public policy
- community meetings
Key Concepts
social contract
popular sovereignty
government legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure true popular control?
- How can citizens stay informed?
A Different Perspective
Power can be abused even with popular control.
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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)
