It came from the Notes on the State of Virginia last 1784 from Thomas Jefferson. He explained that corruption is a human weakness. The government becomes less of itself when left alone on its decision without the people's participation. Thus, it means that the people should learn more of their political rights as citizens to participate in government political decisions.
The ideas of the social contract, natural laws and natural rights, and separation of powers, are all found in our Founding Documents, like the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
