Asks Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The most effective way to find ourselves enslaved will not be done openly. If weakened we will sink gradually. I ask, who are the militia? They consist of the whole people, … except a few public officers.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1790
Freedom can be eroded subtly by the populace itself, not just by overt oppression.
In simple terms: Freedom can be eroded subtly.
Key Takeaway
Guard against complacency in liberty.
Themes
politics
freedom
societal decay
Mood
cautious
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- citizen engagement
- policy making
- education
- community vigilance
Key Concepts
democracy
militia
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly protects liberty?
- How can citizens stay vigilant?
A Different Perspective
The notion of “militia” is vague and can be misused.
![“Who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. If that paper on the table [the Constitution] gets no alteration, the militia of the future day may not consist of all classes, high and low, and…” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b8/george-mason-8435_2-amendment_who-are-the-militia-they-consist-now-of_1020490.jpg)
![“It is not certain that with this aid alone [possession of arms], they would not be able to shake off their yokes. But were the people to posses the additional advantages of local governments chosen by themselves, who could collect the national will, and direct the national force; and of officers…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07a/james-madison-373_2-amendment_it-is-not-certain-that-with-this-aid-alo_1101340.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)
