Arbitrary Power vs. Absolute Despotism

Jefferson's original wording in the Declaration of Independence was altered by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin before it was published for the masses.

Whereas Jefferson thought "arbitrary power" sufficient cause for rebellion, Franklin changed it to "absolute despotism."

Source

when a long train of abuses & usurpations pursuing

  invariably the same object, evinces a design to subject reduce them 

 under absolute Despotism [FRANKLIN]
  ^to arbitrary power, it is their right, it is their duty to throw off

  such government, & to provide new guards for their future security

Power gets wealth, wealth gets power

"The public money and public liberty, intended to have been deposited with three branches of magistracy, but found inadvertently to be in the hands of one only, will soon be discovered to be sources of wealth and dominion to those who hold them; distinguished too by this tempting circumstance, that they are the instrument, as well as the object of acquisition. With the money we will get men, said Caesar, and with men we will get money."

(Emphasis added to Jefferson quote by Double Birds)

Jefferson quote source: Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XIII

On Power

"If they meant to do more than they had power to do, did this give them power?  It is not the name, but the authority which renders an act obligatory."

Jefferson quote source: Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XIII

On The Legitimate Powers of Government

"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.  But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god.  It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."

(Emphasis added to Jefferson quote by Double Birds)

Jefferson quote source: Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVII

On Torture

"Nor shall they have power to prescribe torture in any case whatever."

Jefferson quote source: Draft Constitution for Virginia, I. Legislative.