"Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence"

This quote by Thomas Jefferson is a cautioning about the possible dangers of an effective federal government. He believes that if the government is enabled to combine its power, it will ultimately result in corruption. This corruption will be the ultimate downfall of the country. Jefferson is suggesting that if the federal government is enabled to become too powerful, it will cause an absence of accountability and openness, which will cause unethical habits and misuse of power. This will eventually result in the damage of the nation. He is alerting that if the government is not kept in check, it will result in the downfall of the nation. He is prompting people to be alert and to ensure that the government is held liable for its actions.