Thomas Jefferson Arms Quotations

The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.

In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When that violence shall be removed, when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, hostilities shall cease on our part also.

No freeman shall be debarred the use of arms.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government

All power is inherent in the people.

Laws that forbid the carrying of arms . . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes . . . Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.

The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed and that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms

Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.

For an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.