I have the answer, Now I need to know the question!

"When people fear the government, there is tyranny.
When government fears the people, there is liberty."
-Thomas Paine .

What is the question? Per se, what is this the answer to?
You see, I'm writing a new story in which a character uses this quote as an answer for an essay question or something of the like.
And I'm kinda baffled as to what the question is...
Any suggestions?
I am incredibly retarded at starting stories, but I need to get my inspiration flowing.
I've been up all night looking for profound quotes, and now I've found one and don't fricken know what the question is!
Unless you know of another quote which I might use, please help me come up with an answer =/