Good Government

Thomas Jefferson often referred to the term good government. In his opinion, the government ought to be judged by how well it meets its legitimate objectives. For him, a good government was the one that most effectively secures the rights of the people and the rewards of their labor, which promotes their happiness, and also does their will.^[1] For instance, he said: “The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the only legitimate object of good government.” —Thomas Jefferson to Maryland Republicans, 1809. ME