The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Republicanism uniquely protects human rights, unlike other forms of government that constantly war against them.
- In plain terms
- Republics are the only governments that don't constantly fight against human rights.
- What can you take from it?
- Republican systems are best suited to protect fundamental human rights.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a government safe for rights?
- Can any system guarantee liberty?
Another view
Republics can still fail to protect rights in practice.
More from Thomas Jefferson
I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where …
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