Command Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Political Theory, 1790s
Government officials tend to seize citizens’ liberty and property at will.
In simple terms: Officials often abuse power over people.
Key Takeaway
Guard against governmental overreach.
Themes
politics
rights
government
Mood
cautious
concerned
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- civic education
- public policy
- activism
Key Concepts
Power abuse
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect against abuse?
- How can citizens hold officials accountable?
A Different Perspective
Historical context differs from modern systems.
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![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
