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Quotes about government

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Anarchism is founded on the observation that since few men are wise enough to rule themselves, even fewer are wise enough to rule others.
Edward Abbey1927–1989A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)
- Wisdom
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Edward Abbey1927–1989A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)
- Patriotism
The tank, the B-52, the fighter-bomber, the state-controlled police and military are the weapons of dictatorship. The rifle is the weapon of democracy.
Edward Abbey1927–1989Abbey’s Road (1979)
- Democracy
- Guns
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
Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.
John Adams1735–1826XVIII, p. 484
- Democracy
A government of laws, and not of men.
John Adams1735–1826Novanglus Essays (1774–1775), No. 7
- Laws
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.
John Adams1735–1826Notes for an oration at Braintree (Spring 1772)
- Liberty
While all other Sciences have advanced, that of Government is at a stand; little better understood; little better practiced now than three or four thousand years ago.
John Adams1735–1826Letter to Thomas Jefferson (9 July 1813)
Government has no right to hurt the hair of an Atheist for his Opinions. Let him have a care of his Practices.
John Adams1735–1826Letter to John Quincy Adams (16 June 1816)
- Atheism
The moment the idea is admitted into society, that property is not as sacred as the law of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.
John Adams1735–1826A Defence of the Constitutions of Government (1787), Ch. 1 Marchamont Nedham: The Right Constitution of a Commonwealth Examined
- Laws
Tyranny can scarcely be practised upon a virtuous and wise people.
John Adams1735–1826Diary entry (31 July 1796)
- Virtue
If “Thou shalt not covet,” and “Thou shalt not steal,” were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society, before it can be civilized or made free.
John Adams1735–1826A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America (1787-88), vol. 3, ch. 1
- Laws
- Morality
We ought to consider what is the end of government, before we determine which is the best form.
John Adams1735–1826Thoughts on Government (1776)
If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.
Samuel Adams1722–1803Letter to James Warren (24 October 1780)
He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of this country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
Samuel Adams1722–1803Essay published in The Advertiser (1748) and later reprinted in The Life and Public Service of Samuel Adams, Volume 1 (1865), by William Vincent Wells
- Voting