The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of the press.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the principle that power resides within the people and outlines their rights and responsibilities in governance.
Thomas Jefferson's quote articulates a foundational belief in democratic governance, asserting that legitimate power originates from the people. It highlights the rights of individuals to self-govern, to choose their representatives, and to maintain freedoms that are essential to a democratic society, such as personal freedom, religious freedom, property rights, and freedom of the press. The statement serves as a reminder that a well-functioning government is accountable to its citizens, who have both rights and responsibilities in safeguarding their liberties.
In practice
In a public speech advocating for citizens' rights during a town hall meeting.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
A day will come when beings, now latent in our thoughts and hidden in our loins, shall stand upon Earth as a footstool and laugh, and reach out their hands amidst the stars.
Equality and self-determination should never be divided in the name of religious or ideological fervor.
Truths and roses have thorns about them.
It's always interesting about God because it's like all of the religions in the world say that they pray to the same God, and yet they ask that same one God to divide itself up and agree with this one and fight against that one.
It is the want to know the end that makes us believe in God, or witchcraft, believe, at least, in something
If a group of beings from another planet were to land on Earth - beings who considered themselves as superior to you as you feel yourself to be to other animals - would you concede them the rights over you that you assume over other animals?
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