A general dissolution of the principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.... While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader ... No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders.
If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.
Many of the founders foresaw a time when the "general government" might get too big, too overbearing - even tyrannical - and talked about the possible cures. Many of them foresaw another conflict, although most dreaded it. Jefferson, of course, thought it might be a good thing.
Once again, they proved that they were smarter and better educated than are we.
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