Big government Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases.”
About This Quote
As government expands, individual liberty tends to shrink.
In simple terms: Growth of state power reduces freedom.
Key Takeaway
Guard against excessive government growth.
Themes
politics
freedom
government
liberty
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- constitutional law
- public administration
- activism
Key Concepts
state expansion
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can liberty be preserved in modern societies?
- What limits should be placed on government?
A Different Perspective
Some government functions are necessary for safety.
![“[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)
