It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising the sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force. Let us by all wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties.

James Monroe

First Inaugural Address of James Monroe

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More information about this quote

Topic

Moral decline Threats to the nation Threats to freedom Political theory

Speaker

James Monroe

Source

First Inaugural Address of James Monroe Presidential inaugural address

Medium

Speech

Genre

Political speech

Language

English

Time

1817 1810s 19th century

Occupation

Founding Father American President National leader Politician

From

United States

Authentication Score 2

Citation

Monroe, James. "First Inaugural Address." 4 Mar. 1817, Front steps, Old Brick Capitol, Washington, DC, USA.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by James Monroe about moral decline: “It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate…”
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A quote by James Monroe about moral decline: “It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate…”
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A quote by James Monroe about moral decline: “It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate…”
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Topic
Limited government Role of government Government Political theory Politics
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Authentication Score 1
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More information about this quote
Topic
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Medium
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Time
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Authentication Score 3
Citation

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