John Leland

Under this head, I would remark, that there is a common saying, “that a republican government is the best in the world if people only have virtue enough to bear it.” If people had virtue enough, there would be no need of any government. Government becomes necessary on account of the vices of men. …Those who so frequently are making the above observation, should do all they can to save and foster that government which they own is best; but for the most part, the remark is made by men who are wishing to sap the foundation of republican government, trick the people out of their liberties, and raise themselves to a state of preeminence above the control of others.

~ John Leland – “Republicanism, the Best Government; but not without its evils”