Government quotes
11.3K quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.
Explore further
Browse quotes that often appear alongside government — connected by shared ideas and recurring themes.
Quote collection
Follow a thought to its author, or read the full quote page.
"It has been suggested by some people in this country that I and my government will be a "soft touch" in the [European] Community. In case such a rumour may have reached your ears, Mr Chancellor... it is only fair that I should advise you frankly to dismiss it (as my own colleagues did, long ago). We shall judge what British interests are and we shall be resolute in defending them."
"The mission of this government is much more than the promotion of economic progress. It is to renew the spirit and solidarity of the nation."
"Making change tolerable is one of the duties of Government."
"At one end of the spectrum are the terrorist gangs within our borders, and the terrorist states which finance and arm them. At the other are the hard left operating inside our system, conspiring to use union power and the apparatus of local government to break, defy and subvert the law."
"We should not expect the state to appear in the guise of an extravagant good fairy at every christening, a loquacious companion at every stage of life's journey, and the unknown mourner at every funeral."
"It is no exaggeration to describe plain English as a fundamental tool of government."
"Any attempts by any government to change Community legislation to its own wishes are doomed to failure following the extension of policy areas now subject to majority voting... In our opinion, this must have serious implications for the traditional view of Parliament as a legislative body sovereignty."
"Every family should have the right to spend their money, after tax, as they wish, and not as the government dictates. Let us extend choice, extend the will to choose and the chance to choose."
"You know the critical thing with the Communist countries is Communism, which by definition consists of control by the government."
"The Government wants a peaceful settlement. But we totally reject a peaceful sell-out."
"I pay tribute to John Major's achievement in persuading the other 11 Community Heads of Government that they could move ahead to a Social Chapter but not within the treaty and without Britain's participation. It sets a vital precedent. For an enlarged Community can only function if we build in flexibility of that kind... John Major deserves high praise for ensuring at Maastricht that we would not have either a Single Currency or the absurd provisions of the Social Chapter forced upon us: our industry, workforce, and national prosperity will benefit as a result."
"We should not underestimate the enormity of the task which lies ahead. But little can be achieved without sound money. It is the bedrock of sound government."
"Printing currency for foreigners to buy is the best racket a government can get into."
"If I said what I was really thinking about this f**ked up world, the government would assassinate me like all the other people they've killed."
"The First Amendment says that we can protest and call to - on our government to address grievances."
"I became a Republican because I trust people more than I trust government."
"You have a choice of trusting the natural stability of gold, or the honesty and intelligence of members of government."
"All government is cruel; for nothing is so cruel as impunity."
"The rebellious mood of the country during those [60th] years allowed me to plug right back into my old hatreds. I could scream and holler, as I did on the albums, against religion, government, big business - all those assholes and their values. That hatred was very real."
"Governments always commit their entire populations when the demands grow heavy enough. By their passive acceptance, these populations become accessories to whatever is done in their name."
