Thomas Jefferson Quotes on Power (10 Quotes)

I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.' To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, not longer susceptible of any definition.

Power is not alluring to pure minds.

I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.

An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens

It is unfortunate for our peace, that unmerited abuse wounds, while unmerited praise has not the power to heal.

Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.

I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government I mean an additional article taking from the Federal Government the power of borrowing. I now deny their power of making paper money or anything else a legal tender. I know that to pay all proper expenses within the year would, in case of war, be hard on us. But not so hard as ten wars instead of one. For wars could be reduced in that proportion besides that the State governments would be free to lend their credit in borrowing quotas.

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.

The construction applied ... to those parts of the Constitution of the United States which delegate Congress a power ... ought not to be construed as themselves to give unlimited powers, nor a part to be so taken as to destroy the whole residue of that instrument.

The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.