The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The best government is the one that prevents the most harm.
- In plain terms
- Good government stops the most bad things from happening.
- What can you take from it?
- Governments should be judged by how much harm they prevent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you measure the sum of evil?
- What takes priority: preventing harm or granting liberty?
Another view
Preventing evil may require restrictive measures that limit freedom.
More from James Monroe
Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.
Permalink to quote #13 Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all -- liberty!
Permalink to quote #12 Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.
Permalink to quote #11
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