Citizens Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Taxation is, in fact, the most difficult function of government and that against which their citizens are most apt to be refractory.”
About This Quote
Taxation is a complex governmental function that often meets strong resistance from citizens.
In simple terms: Taxation is difficult and unpopular.
Key Takeaway
Understand tax policies and their impacts.
Themes
government
taxation
resistance
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
educational
political
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- policy debate
- public education
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
public finance
citizen-government relations
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people resist taxes?
- How can tax systems be made fairer?
A Different Perspective
Taxation can fund essential services despite opposition.
![“To draw around the whole nation the strength of the General Government as a barrier against foreign foes... is [one of the] functions of the General Government on which [our citizens] have a right to call.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d09/thomas-jefferson-43_barriers_to-draw-around-the-whole-nation-the-stre_130273.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)
