I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government to the genuine principles of its Constitution; I mean an additional article, taking from the federal government the power of borrowing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson wishes for a constitutional amendment to strip the federal government of borrowing power.
- In plain terms
- He would remove the government's ability to borrow money to force it to follow constitutional principles.
- What can you take from it?
- Removing borrowing power would force government accountability and fiscal restraint.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should governments ever borrow?
- How do you control spending?
Another view
Borrowing power is often essential for emergencies and economic stability.
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