Franklin argues that political freedom depends not only on institutions but also on the conduct of the people who live under them. A society capable of self-restraint, responsibility and respect for others may require less coercive supervision. By contrast, widespread corruption or disregard for public obligations can make stable self-government more difficult.

The reference to “masters” suggests increasingly restrictive authority rather than a literal endorsement of domination. Franklin’s broader claim is that liberty and civic virtue are connected: when people cannot govern their own behaviour, governments may respond with stronger rules and controls. The statement should not be taken to mean that authoritarian rule is justified whenever a society has moral failings. It is instead a warning that political freedom can become harder to sustain when trust, responsibility and public-minded conduct deteriorate.