Thomas Paine Quote

A government on the principles on which constitutional governments arising out of society are established, cannot have the right of altering itself. If it had, it would be arbitrary. It might make itself what it pleased; and wherever such a right is set up, it shows there is no constitution.

Rights of Man... Fifth edition (ed. 1791)

A government on the principles on which constitutional governments arising out of society are established, cannot have the right of altering itself....

A government on the principles on which constitutional governments arising out of society are established, cannot have the right of altering itself....

A government on the principles on which constitutional governments arising out of society are established, cannot have the right of altering itself....

A government on the principles on which constitutional governments arising out of society are established, cannot have the right of altering itself....