Every species of government has its specific principles. Ours perhaps are more peculiar than those of any other in the universe. It is a composition of the freest principles of the English constitution, with others derived from natural right and natural reason.

Thomas Jefferson

The government you elect is the government you deserve.

Thomas Jefferson

government deserve

The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.

Thomas Jefferson

government happiness people

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.

Thomas Jefferson

democracies-have trust time

Men of quality are not threatened by women of equality

Thomas Jefferson

equality quality men

Religious institutions that use government power in support of themselves and force their views on persons of other faiths, or of no faith, undermine all our civil rights. Moreover, state support of an established religion tends to make the clergy unresponsive to their own people, and leads to corruption within religion itself. Erecting the 'wall of separation between church and state,' therefore, is absolutely essential in a free society.

Thomas Jefferson

wall religious rights

Those who live by mystery & charlatanerie, fearing you would render them useless by simplifying the Christian philosophy - the most sublime and benevolent, but most perverted system that ever shone on man - endeavored to crush your well-earned & well-deserved fame.

Thomas Jefferson

insightful atheist men

Our citizens may be deceived for awhile, and have been deceived; but as long as the presses can be protected, we may trust to them for light.

Thomas Jefferson

citizens light long

Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. The real extent of this state of misinformation is known only to those who are in situations to confront facts within their knowledge with the lies of the day.

Thomas Jefferson

real lying facts

The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.

Thomas Jefferson

strong-arms gun people

An elective despotism was not the government we fought for, but one which should not only be founded on true free principles, but in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among general bodies of magistracy, as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others.

Thomas Jefferson

liberty government principles

A private central bank issuing the public currency is a greater menace to the liberties of the people than a standing army. We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.

Thomas Jefferson

army liberty people

If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed.

Thomas Jefferson

ignorance responsibility ifs

Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country.

Thomas Jefferson

marijuana weed country

The advertisement is the most truthful part of a newspaper.

Thomas Jefferson

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Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Thomas Jefferson

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We will be soldiers, so our sons may be farmers, so their sons may be artists

Thomas Jefferson

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Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to the truth.

Thomas Jefferson

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The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases.

Thomas Jefferson

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No government should be without critics. If its intentions are good then it has nothing to fear from criticism.

Thomas Jefferson

intention government criticism

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Thomas Jefferson

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