Political Sayings

It is a principle of liberty that the people have a right to choose the form of government under which they will live.

The only security against faction and insurrection, is in a firm, energetic government.

The accumulation of debt is the natural disease of all governments.

I am not for a government that is so strong as to be dangerous to liberty.

The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.

The true principle of a Republic is, that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is the only principle by which a free government can be maintained.

A dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidding appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government.

Here, then: a revolution [in science and chemistry] has taken place in an important part of human knowledge since your departure from Europe… I will consider this revolution to be well advanced and even completely accomplished if you range yourself w…

I can only say, that I am a Citizen of America, and an Officer of the Army: That I am therefore precluded from the enjoyment of that Liberty, which can only be derived from a free Government.

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

The civil constitution in every state shall be republican.

All political theories, if they are to be consistent, must proceed from the principle that man is a free and rational being.

Such as the world has known, in all her pomp, her pride, and her oppression.

Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide what they fear to show.

I desire those politicians who dislike my overture, and may perhaps be so bold to attempt an answer, that they will first ask the parents of these mortals, whether they would not at this day think it a great happiness to have been sold for food at a …

I may not be a political genius, but I have eyes and I see.

The powers must recognize that this is a question of vital interest not only for all sovereigns, but for all orders, states, and classes of citizens in all countries and in republics as well as monarchies.

All the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill the history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of the great leaders, have happened only because of a simple lack of logic.