Capable Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Who will govern the governors? There is only one force in the nation that can be depended upon to keep the government pure and the governors honest, and that is the people themselves. They alone, if well informed, are capable of preventing the corruption of power, and of restoring the nation to its rightful course if it should go astray. They alone are the safest depository of the ultimate powers of government.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal correspondence, 1795
The people, when informed, are the ultimate check on governmental corruption.
In simple terms: Informed citizens safeguard democracy.
Key Takeaway
Stay educated and engaged.
Themes
democracy
citizenship
accountability
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- community forums
- media literacy
Key Concepts
public opinion
civic duty
governmental integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens stay well‑informed?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Misinformation can undermine this safeguard.
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![“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)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
