“Good government generally begins in the family, and if the moral character of a people once degenerate, their political character must soon follow.”

The key to our constitution working.

Then I guess those that think our government is good believe it is due to their own virtue, but those that think our government is bad believe it is due to the immorality of others (not due to them personally). I understand the generality of Boudinot's words, but 'moral character' needs to be better defined. Why not substitute 'moral character' with 'integrity'? When asking ourselves why we have bad government, how about taking the blame, hmm? THAT is why we have bad government -- because we Americans aren't willing to stand up against bad government and defend our rights (we don't even know what they are anymore.)

Absolutely true. A few in government have done everything possible to break down the family and the member's thereof cohesive and otherwise moral character. All states that I am aware of, have for all intents and purposes, legislated the children to be state's property. The me, I want it now, take care of me cradle to grave mentality are but a few of the first dogmas that prove the quote true. Public dis-education is but another facet breaking down morality, the family, religion, prosperity, and good government. The examples that prove the quote's absolute correctness would fill volumes (and even at that, most of the fine details would be glazed over) After all government's vain claims of taking care of the children, it will still die a horrible death, long before the family. The moral family will survive and once again bring about good government.

Not so good. Ever heard that blood is thicker than water. Some families cannot see beyond themselves to reach out to other families. Thus from time immemorial or at least since Hammarabi we have had codes to define relationships in society. Good upbringing is immortant for a member of society to know how to be courteous, respectfull and upright. But where do the these values come from. The family or from society? Religion and politics or government all have a similar goal - to bring people into unity. Most religions have at their core the idea of "an orgainizing principal".

Values of a wholesome family spring forth from the heart of mankind. Instilled within each individual by our Creator, Waffler !
" When the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another." 
Romans 2:14 kjb top of the ladder ! 
Some of the biggest bribes lately, have come forth from the largest of religions who seek to plunder all for the sake of the few. 

It has nothing to do with family, morality is innate within the character of the individual, formed from an early age. It's usually immorality within the government that comes before it arrives around the kitchen table, i.e., the trickle down theory... 

You must acknowledge your indebtedness to your parents. Your mother teaches the evils to beware, abortion and homosexuality.  You father teaches you humility, independence of mind, and sticking to what is right. Your father imprints on your mind you can escape the greatest of hells if you just continue to hang on to your correctness efforts, and "hold the line."