Authority Quote by W. Cleon Skousen
“Strictly enforce the scale of "fixed responsibility." The first and foremost level of responsibility is with the individual himself; the second level is the family; then the church; next the community, finally the county, and, in a disaster or emergency, the state. Under no circumstances is the federal government to become involved in public welfare. The Founders felt it would corrupt the government and also the poor. No Constitutional authority exists for the federal government to participate in charity or welfare.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Constitution of Liberty, 1970
Responsibility should flow from the individual upward, with limited government involvement in welfare.
In simple terms: Responsibility starts with the individual.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal and local responsibility.
Themes
politics
government
responsibility
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family budgeting
- community volunteering
- local governance
- disaster response
- church outreach
Key Concepts
federalism
charity
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can local entities handle large crises?
- What role should the federal government play in welfare?
A Different Perspective
Overly limiting federal aid can neglect large‑scale needs.
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