Thomas Jefferson Quotes about Democracy

Democracy is 51% of the people taking away the rights of the other 49%.

Democracy is 51% of the people taking away the rights of the other 49%.

Thomas Jefferson

Rights, People, Democracy

The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.

Thomas Jefferson

Democracy, Foundation, Educated

A properly functioning democracy depends on an informed electorate.

Thomas Jefferson

Democracy, Electorate, Depends

An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.

Thomas Jefferson

Heart, Democracy, Informed Citizenry

Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth; and I am sure...we both value too much the freedom of opinion sanctioned by our Constitution, not to cherish its exercise even where in opposition to ourselves.

Thomas Jefferson

Exercise, Differences, Democracy

That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.

Thomas Jefferson

Men, Political, Democracy

Thomas Jefferson, Henry Augustine Washington (1853). “The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Correspondence, cont”, p.38

Every man cannot have his way in all things. If his opinion prevails at some times, he should acquiesce on seeing that of others preponderate at other times. Without this mutual disposition we are disjointed individuals, but not a society.

Thomas Jefferson

Men, Democracy, Way

Thomas Jefferson (2010). “The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. IX (in 12 Volumes)”, p.281, Cosimo, Inc.

We are sensible of the duty and expediency of submitting our opinions to the will of the majority, and can wait with patience till they get right if they happen to be at any time wrong.

Thomas Jefferson

Waiting, Democracy, Majority

Thomas Jefferson (2010). “The Works of Thomas Jefferson: 1799-1803”, p.107, Cosimo, Inc.

It is my principle that the will of the majority should always prevail.

Thomas Jefferson

Motivational, Democracy, Majority

Thomas Jefferson, Joyce Appleby, Terence Ball (1999). “Jefferson: Political Writings”, p.363, Cambridge University Press

Eternal Vigilance is the price of democracy.

Thomas Jefferson

Democracy, Vigilance, Eternal

And where else will [Hume,] this degenerate son of science, this traitor to his fellow men, find the origin of just powers, if not in the majority of the society? Will it be in the minority? Or in an individual of that minority?

Thomas Jefferson

Son, Men, Democracy

Thomas Jefferson, Jean M. Yarbrough (1963). “The Essential Jefferson”, p.261, Hackett Publishing

Where the law of the majority ceases to be acknowledged, there government ends; the law of the strongest takes its place, and life and property are his who can take them.

Thomas Jefferson

Government, Law, Democracy

Thomas Jefferson, Richard Holland Johnston, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association of the United States “The Writings of Thomas Jefferson”

If the measures which have been pursued are approved by the majority, it is the duty of the minority to acquiesce and conform.

Thomas Jefferson

Democracy, Majority, Minorities

Thomas Jefferson (1854). “The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Correspondence, contin”, p.592

The best defense of democracy is an informed electorate.

Thomas Jefferson

Democracy, Defense, Electorate