What Does ‘when Tyranny Becomes Law, Rebellion Becomes Duty’ Mean?
Many ascribe the quote, ”When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty,” to Thomas Jefferson.
This phrase means it is inevitable to revolt against oppression when tyranny rules over the country. Rebellion becomes unavoidable in such countries, and it is considered a positive step for the people.
The Social Contract
Many of the Founding Fathers of the United States were students of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, who both subscribed to the idea of government being a social contract between the rulers and the ruled.
The bargain is for the safety and security of the people in exchange for the surrendering of certain civil liberties to allow the government to keep order. However, Locke argued that this consent to be governed can be revoked at any time if the government steps outside the consent of the people.