George Washington was one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States, and his quotes on government are just as relevant today as they were during his time. In these quotes, Washington emphasizes the importance of a strong government that is operated for the good of the people. His words offer an insightful perspective on how our government should function and provide us with guidance on creating a better society.
He was known for his dedication to public service and his strong belief in government by the people. In these quotes, Washington shares his thoughts on what makes a good government and the importance of citizen participation. Read on to learn more about George Washington’s Quotes On Government that are still relevant today.
George Washington quotes government like fire:
Washington is often quoted on his thoughts on government. Some of these quotes are: “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
These quotes show the importance of government and how Washington saw it as a tool to keep society in check. It is interesting to see his perspective on something that is so important in our lives today.
George Washington thoughts on government:
Washington believed that a strong central government was necessary to keep the nation unified and protect its people. However, he also felt that the government should be limited in its power and serve the people, not rule over them.
Washington’s thoughts on government provide valuable insight into how our country should be run today. We would do well to remember his words as we face challenging times ahead.
He was known for his strong leadership skills and his dedication to democracy. In honor of Presidents’ Day, we’ve collected some of Washington’s most insightful quotes on government and politics. Check them out below!
Top 14 George Washington Quotes On Government:
George Washington was known for his strong leadership skills and his dedication to democracy. In this post, we’ve collected some of Washington’s most insightful quotes on government and politics. Check them out below!
1.
“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is force! Like fire it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”
– George Washington
2.
“The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the Representatives of the People of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the Administration of the present form of Government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion, to congratulate you and my Country, on the success of the experiment”
– George Washington
3.
“Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.”
– George Washington
4.
“For myself, the delay may be compared to a reprieve; for in confidence I can assure you?with the world it would obtain little credit?that my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution”
– George Washington
5.
“For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”
– George Washington
6.
“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.
– George Washington
7.
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy.”
– George Washington
8.
“As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is, to use it as sparingly as possible; avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts, which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen, which we ourselves ought to bear.”
– George Washington
9.
“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”
– George Washington
10.
“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”
– George Washington
11.
“No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”
– George Washington
12.
“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”
– George Washington
13.
“If in the opinion of the People, the distribution or modification of the Constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.”
– George Washington
14.
“It is important … that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional Spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another.”
– George Washington
Conclusion
The Founding Fathers were highly intelligent and sought to create a government that would be led by the people. George Washington was one of these Founding Fathers, and his quotes on government are still relevant today.
Washington believed in giving power back to the people, and he thought that if the people had a voice in their government, they would be more likely to get involved and stay informed.
Washington also said that it is important for the citizens of a country to have knowledge about their government so that they can make informed decisions.
These quotes from George Washington show how highly he valued democracy and education. They are still relevant today and provide insight into the mind of one of our nation’s most influential leaders.
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- Mark Twain Political Quotes
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