Every country has the government it deserves.

Every country has the government it deserves.

So that every wand or staff of empire is forsooth curved at top.
[Lat., Adeo ut omnes imperii virga read more

So that every wand or staff of empire is forsooth curved at top.
[Lat., Adeo ut omnes imperii virga sive bacillum vere superius
inflexum sit.]

The punishment which the wise suffer, who refuse to take part in government, is to live under the government of read more

The punishment which the wise suffer, who refuse to take part in government, is to live under the government of worse men.

All free governments are managed by the combined wisdom and folly of the people.

All free governments are managed by the combined wisdom and folly of the people.

Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.

Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them read more

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.

Which is the best government? That which teaches us to govern ourselves

Which is the best government? That which teaches us to govern ourselves

A goverment that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away.

A goverment that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away.

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor read more

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor of today's statecraft.) Instead, read selected portions of the Washington telephone directory containing listings for all the organizations with titles beginning with the word National.