I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
All governments, the worst on earth, and the most tyrannical on earth, are free governments to that portion of the people who voluntarily support them.
The best government rests on the people, and not on the few, on persons and not on property, on the free development of public opinion and not on authority.
That government is best which governs least.
As a general rule, governments are unlimited in their powers. All free governments, perhaps all other governments, are entitled in some shape or other to make laws and to repeal or amend them.
The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.
One essential of a free government is that it rest wholly on voluntary support. And one certain proof that a government is not free, is that it coerces more or less persons to support it, against their will.
Which government is the best? The one that teaches us to govern ourselves.
All government, of course, is against liberty.
The government is best which makes itself unnecessary.
All free governments are managed by the combined wisdom and folly of the people.