The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson argues that public opinion is the foundation of government, so protecting free press is more important than preserving government itself.
- In plain terms
- Free newspapers are more vital to democracy than the government.
- What can you take from it?
- Protect free press above all else.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is more important: government or free speech?
- Can society exist without either?
Another view
Prioritizing press over government assumes citizens can function without any structure.
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