The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
GOVERNMENT / OBJECT OF
The only orthodox object of the institution of government is to
secure the greatest degree of happiness possible to the general mass
of those associated under it. The events which this work proposes to
embrace will establish the fact that unless the mass retains
sufficient control over those intrusted with the powers of their
government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to
the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their
families selected for the trust. Whether our Constitution has hit on
the exact degree of control necessary, is yet under experiment; and it
is a most encouraging reflection that distance and other difficulties
securing us against the brigand governments of Europe, in the safe
enjoyment of our farms and firesides, the experiment stands a better
chance of being satisfactorily made here than on any occasion yet
presented by history.
to F.A. Van der Kemp, 22 March 1812
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