With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.
Thomas JeffersonHe who is permitted by law to have no property of his own, can with difficulty conceive that property is founded in anything but force.
Thomas JeffersonThe Declaration of Independence . . . [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man.
Thomas JeffersonThe difficulty is no longer to find candidates for the offices, but offices for the candidates.
Thomas JeffersonA government regulating itself by what is wise and just for the many, uninfluenced by the local and selfish views of the few who direct their affairs, has not been seen, perhaps, on earth. Or if it existed for a moment at the birth of ours, it would not be easy to fix the term of its continuance. Still, I believe it does exist here in a greater degree than anywhere else; and for its growth and continuance... I offer sincere prayers.
Thomas Jefferson