John Adams on Government
1735–1826 United States
← All quotes by John Adams
10 quotes
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.
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.
The declaration that our People are hostile to a government made by themselves, for themselves, and conducted by themselves, is an insult.
The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to determine whether a republican government is practicable in a nation or not.
The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.
Discourses on Davila (1790)
We ought to consider what is the end of government, before we determine which is the best form.
Thoughts on Government (1776)
What other form of government, indeed, can so well deserve our esteem and love?
Inaugural Address (1797)
Government has no right to hurt the hair of an Atheist for his Opinions. Let him have a care of his Practices.
But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.
[A] Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.