"I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive"

Thomas Jefferson was a strong supporter for restricted government and specific liberty. In this quote, he is revealing his opposition to a government that is overly active and intrusive in its citizens' lives. He thinks that such a government is oppressive and does not allow people to exercise their rights and liberties. He is also implying that a federal government must not be too effective, as it can cause tyranny and the loss of private rights. Jefferson's views on federal government are still appropriate today, as lots of people are worried about the power of federal governments and the potential for them to become oppressive. His words act as a pointer that federal governments ought to be limited in their power and needs to not interfere excessive in the lives of their people.