University of Miami

What was Jefferson's opinion about changing long-established governments?

this is from the declaration of independence

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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Straight from the source; you don't change long established

governments without good cause and much thought.

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Source(s)

The Declaration of Independence