Family Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their families selected for the trust.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1795, to James Madison, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 12
When citizens cannot control those they empower, those leaders will abuse power for personal gain and entrench wealth and authority within their own families.
In simple terms: Lack of oversight leads to corrupt, self‑serving rulers.
Key Takeaway
Ensure strong checks and accountability.
Themes
politics
power
corruption
wealth
accountability
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
warning
When to use this quote
- elections
- public oversight
- anti‑corruption reforms
- wealth inequality
Key Concepts
democracy
elite capture
institutional decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens effectively monitor those in power?
- What safeguards prevent elite capture?
A Different Perspective
Even with formal checks, informal networks can still enable abuse.
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![“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)
