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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

  • evaluating leaders
  • policy making
  • political philosophy

Putting it to work

  • assessing policies
  • voting decisions
  • reforming systems

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

  1. Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. 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
  3. Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.

    Permalink to quote #11

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