Quotes about Government

To give freedom is still more easy. It is not necessary to guide; it only requires to let go the rein. But to form a free government; that is, to temper together these opposite elements of liberty and restraint in one work, requires much thought, deep reflection, a sagacious, powerful, and combining mind.

It is an obvious truth, that no constitution can defend itself: it must be defended by the wisdom and fortitude of men.

Untried forms of government may, to unstable minds, recommend themselves even by their novelty.

A] partial repeal, or, as the bon ton of the court then was, a modification, would have satisfied a timid, unsystematic, procrastinating Ministry, as such a measure has since done such a Ministry. A modificatio is the constant resource of weak, undeciding minds.

Religion, by 'consecrating' the state, gives the people an added impetus to respect and regard their regime.

It was not English arms, but the English Constitution, that conquered Ireland.

Those despotic governments which are founded on the passions of men, and principally upon the passion of fear, keep their chief as much as may be from the public eye. The policy has been the same in many cases of religion.

The restraints on men, as well as their liberties, are to be reckoned among their rights.

There is no qualification for government, but virtue and wisdom, whether actual or presumptive. . . . Every thing ought to be open; but not indifferently to every man.

The only liberty that is valuable is a liberty connected with order; that not only exists along with order and virtue, but which cannot exist at all without them. It inheres in good and steady government, as in its substance and vital principle.

The very idea of the fabrication of a new government is enough to fill us with disgust and horror.

The restraints on men, as well as their liberties, are both to be reckoned among their rights.