Patriot Quotes on the Importance of Character in Public Officials
“Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them; and as
governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too.
Wherefore governments rather depend upon men than men upon governments.
Let men be good and the government cannot be bad.... But if men be bad,
let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and
spoil it to their turn.... [T]hough good laws do well, good men do
better; for good laws may want [lack] good men and be abolished or
invaded by ill men; but good men will never want [lack] good laws nor
suffer [allow] ill ones.” - William Penn, Founder of Pennsylvania
"Those who wish well to the State ought to choose to places of trust men
of inward principle, justified by exemplary conversation.... [And t]he
people in general ought to have regard to the moral character of those
whom they invest with authority either in the legislative, executive, or
judicial branches.” - John Witherspoon, Founding Father
“It is impossible to rightly govern ... without God and the Bible.” -
George Washington, Chairman of Constitutional Convention and 1st
US President
“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide ... look to
his character.... When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known
immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest,
but that of his neighbor, he betrays the interest of his country.” -
Noah Webster, Founding Father
“When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public
officers let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to
choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The
preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful
discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect this duty and place
unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted.” -
Noah Webster, Founding Father
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may
cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” - John
Quincy Adams, 6th US President
“Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of
their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is
because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If
it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand
these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature…. If
the next centennial does not find us a great nation … it will be because
those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the
nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.” - James A.
Garfield, 20th US President
Biblical Quotes
“Select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy
men who hate dishonest gain.” - Exodus 18:21a/NIV
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a
wicked man rules, the people groan.” - Proverbs 29:2/NKJV
