Thomas Jefferson and Good Government
Thomas Jefferson often referred to the term good government. In his opinion, the Government ought be judged by how well it meets its legitimate objectives. For him, good government was the one who most effectively secures the rights of the people and the rewards of their labor, which promotes their happiness, and also does their will. For instance, he said: "The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the only legitimate object of good government." —Thomas Jefferson to Maryland Republicans, 1809. ME 16:359.
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