Who can tell me who said this and what it means?

Question

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence. It is force and like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

Answer 1

George Washington, of course. This nation was founded on the principal of limited government, which is becoming an unpopular concept today.

Government is necessary, but a necessary evil. It should be limited and kept in check. If it gets out of control you get tyranny.