"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it."
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John Adams (more quotes by John Adams or books by/about John Adams) |
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(1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President |
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Thoughts on Government, 1776 |
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Founder, Government, Commonwealth, Protection, Safety, Prosperity, Happiness, Profit, Honor, Aristocracy, Collectivism, Class, Individual Rights, Reform, Revolt, Resistance, Responsibility |
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