Administration Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“We think, in America, that it is necessary to introduce the people into every department of government, as far as they are capable of exercising it, and that this is the only way to ensure a long continued and honest administration of its powers.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence, 1787, United States Constitution debates
Advocates broad citizen participation in government to maintain honesty and longevity.
In simple terms: People should be involved in government.
Key Takeaway
Encourage civic engagement.
Themes
democracy
participation
integrity
Mood
thoughtful
political
Type
civic
educational
When to use this quote
- voting
- public hearings
- community boards
Key Concepts
republicanism
citizen oversight
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits citizen involvement?
- How can we balance expertise and participation?
A Different Perspective
Broad participation may be impractical in complex societies.
![“[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)
