The Constitution, Jefferson
Amplify’d from etext.virginia.edu
“Aware of the tendency of power to degenerate into abuse, the worthies of our country have secured its independence by the establishment of a Constitution and form of government for our nation, calculated to prevent as well as to correct abuse.” –Thomas Jefferson to Washington Tammany Society, 1809. ME 16:346
“It is true, we are as yet secured against [tyrannical laws] by the spirit of the times… But is the spirit of the people an infallible, a permanent reliance? Is it government? Is this the kind of protection we receive in return for the rights we give up? Besides, the spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless.” –Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia, Q.XVII, 1782. ME 2:224
“[Ours is] a constitution of government destined to be the primitive and precious model of what is to change the condition of man over the globe.” –Thomas Jefferson to Edward Livingston, 1824. ME 16:26
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5 Responses
robm47 October 24, 2009 12:30 am
merriemarie on Twitter October 24, 2009 12:40 am
RT @willhelm The Constitution, Jefferson http://amplify.com/u/p46 Great link, willhelm, thanks
Daniel Durrant October 24, 2009 12:43 am
jeff willhelm October 24, 2009 12:43 am
You’re welcomed, merrie. Thanks for the RT.
merriemarie October 31, 2009 3:02 am