It is the duty of the President to propose and it is the privilege of the Congress to dispose.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the roles and responsibilities of the President and Congress in the legislative process.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's quote highlights the distinct but complementary roles in the United States government, where the President has the responsibility to propose policies and initiatives, while Congress holds the authority to accept, reject, or modify those proposals. This reflects the balance of power inherent in the democratic system, underscoring the collaboration necessary between the executive and legislative branches to govern effectively.
In practice
In a speech about government accountability, one might reference this quote to illustrate the necessity of checks and balances.
There has been one persistent theme through all Axis propaganda. This theme has been that Americans are admittedly rich, that Americans have considerable industrial power - but that Americans are soft and decadent, that they cannot and will not unite and work and fight. ... Let them tell that to the Marines!
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
A war of ideas can no more be won without books than a naval war can be won without ships. Books, like ships, have the toughest armor, the longest cruising range, and mount the most powerful guns.
Better the occasional faults of a government that lives in a spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a government frozen in the ice of its own indifference.
Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.
A world turned into a stereotype, a society converted into a regiment, a life translated into a routine, make it difficult for either art or artists to survive. Crush individuality in society and you crush art as well. Nourish the conditions of a free life and you nourish the arts, too.
There is a long history of founders returning to companies and doing great things. Founders are able to set the vision for their companies with an authority no one else can.
Spiritual leadership should remain spiritual leadership and the temporal power should not become too important in any church.
Successful leaders don't start out asking, 'What do I want to do?' They ask, 'What needs to be done?' Then they ask, 'Of those things that would make a difference, which are right for me?'
I will be vigilant to protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, and I will work to ensure that it upholds the rule of law and safeguards those liberties that make this land one of endless possibilities for all Americans.
An orchestra knows during the first two minutes of the first rehearsal whether or not they are going to enjoy the person on the podium.
I just think you ought to talk straight with your people.
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