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Quotes about government

575 quotes from 235 people

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The act of policing is, in order to punish less often, to punish more severely.
Napoleon1769–1821
When you break the big laws, you do not get freedom; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws.
G. K. Chesterton1874–1936
- Laws
I would like to electrocute everyone who uses the word ‘fair’ in connection with income tax policies.
William F. Buckley Jr.1925–2008
The great principle which this house ought to guard and cherish is that, when the tax collector comes to the private citizen and takes from him of his wealth for the services of the public, the whole of that money taken shall go for the purposes for which it is intended, and that no private interests, however powerfully they may be organized and however eloquently advocated, shall thrust their dirty fingers into the pie and take the profits for themselves.
Winston Churchill1874–1965
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
William Borah1865–1940Often credited to George Washington
Democracy is a form of government that substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few.
George Bernard Shaw1856–1950Maxims for Revolutionists (1903), #17
- Democracy
An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy.
Daniel Webster1782–1852
It is error alone that needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.
Thomas Jefferson1743–1826A letter to Horatio Spofford (1814)
- Truth & Lies
Deliberation and debate is the way you stir the soul of our democracy.
Jesse Jackson1941–2026Biography Civil Rights Activist, Minister, Journalist, Biography.com.
- America
- Democracy
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
George Bernard Shaw1856–1950Everybody’s Political What’s What (1944), Ch. 30, p. 256
Freedom of opinion can only exist when the government thinks itself secure.
Bertrand Russell1872–1970
- Freedom
Democracy is a process by which people are free to choose the man who will get the blame.
Laurence J. Peter1919–1990
- Democracy
It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.
John Adams1735–1826
- God
Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want and deserve to get it good and hard.
H. L. Mencken1880–1956“A Few Pages of Notes,” The Smart Set (January 1915)
- Democracy
The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.
William F. Buckley Jr.1925–2008Windfall: The End of the Affair (1992).