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What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said the government that governs the best governs the least?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Jefferson didn't say it. Or at least there is no record of him saying it & it doesn't appear in any of his writings. The qoute seems to have originate in Henry David Thoreau's essay entitled Civil Disobedience published in 1849
Without more context or knowledge of Thomas Jefferson's personal beliefs (I know it's horrible that I don't) I'd venture to say that what he means is this:
The best kind of government is the one that doesn't interfere too much in its people's daily affairs. I don't know if you ever heard of the laissez-faire but it means the same thing. Here's a definition of laissez-faire:
1. the theory or system of government that upholds the autonomous character of the economic order, believing that government should intervene as little as possible in the direction of economic affairs. 2.
the practice or doctrine of noninterference in the affairs of others, esp. with reference to individual conduct or freedom of action.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Hope this helps!
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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What did Jefferson believe was the role of the government?
"He governs best who governs least."~Thomas Jefferson
What was Jefferson view on the best kind of government?
today Thomas, Jefferson began his duties as president of the United States.
Who said That government which governs best governs l east?
Thomas Jefferson made that statement, except he did not leave a space after the L in Least.
What did Jefferson the responsibilities of government should be limited to?
"That government governs best, which governs LEAST", said Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson believed in a small government, almost a minimalist government. Of course, he envisioned a nation of farmers and shopkeepers, not a world power with an international reach.
What did Jefferson believe the responsibilities of government be limited to?
"That government governs best, which governs LEAST", said Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson believed in a small government, almost a minimalist government. Of course, he envisioned a nation of farmers and shopkeepers, not a world power with an international reach.
What did Jefferson believe the responsibility of government should be limited to?
"That government governs best, which governs LEAST", said Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson believed in a small government, almost a minimalist government. Of course, he envisioned a nation of farmers and shopkeepers, not a world power with an international reach.
Who said - The government is best which governs least?
The quote "The government is best which governs least" is attributed to Henry David Thoreau, an American essayist and philosopher, known for his writings on civil disobedience and individualism. Thoreau believed in minimal interference from the government in the lives of the people.
Did Thomas Jefferson feel more power should go to the states or the federal government?
Thomas Jefferson was opposed to federalism, which controlled the federal government and called for national banks and tariffs. Jefferson also disagreed with the idea of implied powers which gave ambiguity to what the government was allowed to do with its power. In response to this, Jefferson created the Democratic-Republican Party.
Did Thomas Paine write that government is best which governs least?
said it. Nor did Thomas Paine, another "Founding Father" who is sometimes wrongly credited with the quote.Henry David Thoreau did use the line in "Civil Disobedience" (originally titled "Resistance to Civil Government") and its appearance in that famous essay probably popularized the saying in its best known form. However, Thoreau seemed to be making it clear that he was citing an existing motto.He may have been paraphrasing the slogan coined by American journalist and editor John Louis O'Sullivan. In 1837, O'Sullivan wrote "The best government is that which governs least"http://www.quotecounterquote.com/2010/06/that-government-is-best-which-governs.htmlhttp://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/government-best-which-governs-least-quotation
Did Thomas Jefferson believe that a strong national army was essential to keep order in the United States?
No. He believed: -the farmer is the backbone of American society; -the government is best that governs least; -the president should practice republican simplicity; and -freedom of speech is essential in a republic.
What did Thomas Jefferson believe was the role of government?
He believed that the Federal Government should only use the powers granted to it by the Constitution, he originally did not like the idea of the Elastic Clause and thought only the powers stated in the Constitution should be used.
What motto does Thoreau heartily accept?
That Government Is Best Which Governs Least.
