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Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“The functionaries of public power rarely strengthen in their dispositions to abridge it, and an unorganized call for timely amendment is not likely to prevail against an organized opposition to it. We are always told that things are going on well; Why change them? 'Chi sta bene, no si mueve,' said the Italian, 'let him who stands well, stand still.' This is true; and I verily believe they would go on well with us under an absolute monarch, while our present character remains, of order, industry and love of peace, and restrained as he would be, by the proper spirit of the people.”

Book:Jefferson: Political Writings

Work

Jefferson: Political Writings

This book compiles a selection of Thomas Jefferson's political writings, including his influential essays and correspondence. It offers insights into Jefferson's views on democracy, liberty, and the role of government, providing a comprehensive look at his political thought and contributions to American governance. more

Author

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, a distinguished politician, philosopher, architect, and scientist. He was born on April 13, 1743, and died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson advocated for democracy and freedom in politics and was one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence. His political ideas had a profound impact on the founding and development of the United States. more

“A generation may bind itself as long as its majority continues in life; when that has disappeared, another majority is in place, holds all the rights and powers their predecessors once held, and may change their laws and institutions to suit themselves. Nothing then is unchangeable but the inherent and inalienable rights of man.”

Men May Long Law Rights Generations Institutions Majority Suits Inherent Predecessors Unchangeable Inalienable Rights

Book:The portable Thomas Jefferson

Source: The portable Thomas Jefferson

“In the end, you make your reputation and you have your success based upon credibility and being able to provide people who are really hungry for information what they want.”

People Want Ends Able Literature Information Hungry Reputation Credibility

Author:Brit Hume

“I believe we may lessen the danger of buying and selling votes, by making the number of voters too great for any means of purchase. I may further say that I have not observed men's honesty to increase with their riches.”

Men Believe May Mean I Believe Numbers Honesty Danger Vote Increase Riches Selling Buying Voters Buying And Selling

Book:Jefferson: Political Writings

Source: Jefferson: Political Writings

“Our ancient laws expressly declare that those who are but delegates themselves shall not delegate to others powers which require judgment and integrity in their exercise.”

Law Exercise Integrity Judgment Ancient Delegates

Book:The writings of Thomas Jefferson

Source: The writings of Thomas Jefferson

“It has been thought that the people are not competent electors of judges learned in the law. But I do not know this to be true, and, if doubtful, we should follow principle.”

People Ifs Knows Should Has Beens Law Principles Judging Being True Competent Doubtful

Book:The Essential Jefferson

Source: The Essential Jefferson

“The constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruption's of time and party, its members would become despots.”

Hands Party Knowing Members Constitution Corruption Despotism Despots Tribunals Judicial Review

Book:The writings of Thomas Jefferson: being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other writings, official and private

Source: The writings of Thomas Jefferson: being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other writings, official and private

“The best (remedy) I can devise would be to give future commissions to (federal) judges for six years with a re-appointability by the President with the approbation of both houses. If this would not be independence enough, I know not what would be.”

Ifs Knows Giving Years I Can Enough Would Be House President Judging Six Independence Remedy Federal Judges

Author:Thomas Jefferson

“I love to see honest and honorable men at the helm, men who will not bend their politics to their purses, nor pursue measures by which they may profit, and then profit by their measures.”

Men May Honest Profit Pursue Honorable Purses Helm Honorable Man

Book:Memoirs, correspondence and private papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. by T.J. Randolph

Source: Memoirs, correspondence and private papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. by T.J. Randolph

“If I could not go to heaven with but a party, I would not go there at all. Therefore, I am not of the party of federalists. But I am much further from that of the anti-federalists.”

Ifs Heaven Party If I Could Federalist

Author:Thomas Jefferson

“Perfection in wisdom, as well as in integrity, is neither required nor expected in these agents (public servants). It belongs not to man. The wise know too well their weaknesses to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows best how little he knows.”

Knows Men Wells Littles Wise Integrity Weakness Perfection Assuming Expected Agents Servant Public Servants Infallibility