Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

The line distinguishes between a country—its people, ideals, and long-term welfare—and a government, which is temporary and fallible. Twain’s formulation argues that genuine patriotism is not blind obedience to leaders but a steady commitment to the nation’s best interests, including the duty to criticize or resist governmental actions that are unjust or misguided. It reframes dissent as a patriotic act rather than a betrayal, implying that moral judgment should govern political support. The aphorism has endured because it offers a compact defense of principled criticism within democratic life, where accountability and reform depend on citizens who can separate national loyalty from partisan or administrative loyalty.

1) “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
2) “Patriotism is supporting your country always, and your government when it deserves it.”
3) “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”