"As long as our government is administered for the good of the people, and is regulated by their will; as long as it secures to us the rights of persons and of property, liberty of conscience and of the press, it will be worth defending"

Andrew Jackson’s statement underscores the foundational principles of American democracy, emphasizing the relationship between government and its citizens. He articulates that the true value of government is measured by its alignment with the people’s welfare and its subservience to their will. This reflects the doctrine of popular sovereignty, the concept that governmental power is derived from the consent of the governed and exists to serve their interests. As long as government remains an instrument for collective benefit, respects the will of its populace, and upholds core civil rights, it is deserving of loyalty and defense.

Jackson draws attention to specific liberties that constitute the bedrock of a just society: personal rights, property rights, freedom of conscience, and freedom of the press. These are not arbitrary selections but essential freedoms that safeguard individuals from tyranny and allow diverse voices and beliefs to coexist within the nation. By safeguarding both persons and property, the government ensures a society in which individuals feel secure in their rights and possessions, promoting social order and economic prosperity.

Freedom of conscience and the press are particularly pivotal; these rights support an informed citizenry capable of expressing dissent and shaping their government’s direction. They function as mechanisms of accountability, preventing abuse of power and fostering open debate. Jackson recognizes these liberties as essential conditions for a government’s legitimacy, thus delineating the boundary beyond which government loses its claim to the people’s support.

He ultimately suggests a conditional patriotism: loyalty to the state is predicated upon its faithful protection of the people's rights and democratic principles. Defense of government is warranted only when it honors these fundamental obligations. Thus, Jackson presents a vision of citizenship grounded in vigilance and active participation, urging individuals to cherish and protect their liberties, considering them the essence of a government worth defending, rather than a passive acceptance of authority.