The object of government is to protect the citizens of a country and to promote their general welfare, and it is composed of the officials who care for the public interests of the citizens.
Under republican government, the weakest citizen enjoys the same rights and privileges as do the strongest citizens, the poorest have the same protection given to the richest, the most humble man or woman has a chance to become the head of his or her government and to lead the Nation among the most powerful Nations in the world.
“Brains and character rule the world. There were scores of men a hundred years ago who had more intellect than Washington. He outlives and overrides them all by the influence of his character.”—Wendell Phillips.
“The true greatness of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual.”—Charles Sumner.
“There is always hope in a man that actually and honestly works. In idleness alone is there perpetual despair.”—Thomas Carlyle.
“He that hath a trade hath an estate, and he that hath a calling hath an office of profit and honor.”—Benjamin Franklin.
“If you have the great talents, industry will improve them; if moderate abilities, industry will supply their deficiencies.”—Joshua Reynolds.
“Other nations have received their laws from conquerors; some are indebted for a constitution to the suffering of their ancestors through revolving centuries. The people of this country, alone, have formally and deliberately chosen a government for themselves, and with open and uninfluenced consent bound themselves into a social compact. Here no man proclaims his birth or wealth as a title to honorable distinction, or to sanctify ignorance and vice with the name of hereditary authority. He who has most zeal and ability to promote public felicity, let him be the servant of the public.”—John Adams.
“The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make or alter their constitution of government.”—George Washington.
“Let us then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind and labor for the welfare of the country.”—Thomas Jefferson.