Abuse Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“The diffusion of information and the arraignment of all abuses at the bar of public reason, I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government, and consequently [one of] those which ought to shape its administration.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb3/thomas-jefferson-43_abuse_the-diffusion-of-information-and-the-arr_2602644.jpg)
“The diffusion of information and the arraignment of all abuses at the bar of public reason, I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government, and consequently [one of] those which ought to shape its administration.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1796
Transparent information and accountability are essential for a just government and its proper administration.
In simple terms: Open info and accountability are vital for good governance.
Key Takeaway
Demand transparency and accountability.
Themes
government
transparency
accountability
Mood
serious
determined
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- elections
- public hearings
- media reporting
Key Concepts
political theory
law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens enforce accountability?
- What mechanisms ensure transparency?
A Different Perspective
Implementation can be hindered by power interests.
![“[Louis Brandeis] insisted on the necessity of public reason, which he thought could only be achieved if all of us just take the time to inform ourselves about the best arguments on all sides of questions so that we can make up our own minds.” quote by Jeffrey Rosen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/abc/jeffrey-rosen-13180_argument_louis-brandeis-insisted-on-the-necessity_2191257.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)
