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The quote can be found in Henry David Thoreau's essay entitled Civil Disobedience published in 1849. However the quote is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but there is no writing suggesting Jefferson actually said it.

[Edit: Indeed Jefferson did NOT coin this phrase. This motto (originally "The best government is that which governs least") was in fact that of the monthly periodical of the mid-19th century called "United States Magazine and Democratic Review," it is a most excellent read too. Archives can be found in the Cornell Library.

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Who said that the best government is the one governed the least?

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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.


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.


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What did Jefferson believe the responsibilities of government be limited to?

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What did Jefferson the responsibilities of government should be limited to?

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What did Jefferson believe the responsibility of government should be limited to?

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Did the Mayflower Compact said that government derived its power from the people who are governed true or false?

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Did Thomas Paine write that government is best which governs least?

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Who said Let the people think they govern and they will be governed?

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