2 amendment Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c2/thomas-jefferson-43_2-amendment_we-established-however-some-although-not_2082638.jpg)
“We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Declaration of Independence, 1776
The quote emphasizes that ultimate authority resides with the people, who can directly exercise power or delegate it, and that they must remain armed to protect that authority.
In simple terms: People hold power and can act directly or through representatives, and must stay armed.
Key Takeaway
Guard liberty by staying engaged and ready.
Themes
democracy
self‑government
citizen rights
armed liberty
political theory
republicanism
Mood
reflective
serious
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- jury duty
- legislative participation
- defense of rights
- community organization
Key Concepts
sovereignty
representation
civic duty
militarism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance civic participation with the right to bear arms?
- What mechanisms ensure representatives truly reflect the people's will?
A Different Perspective
The emphasis on being armed can be controversial in modern contexts, raising concerns about violence and public 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)
