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Every power vested in a government is in its nature sovereign, and includes by force of the term a right to employ all the means requisite . . . to the attainment of the ends of such power.
Alexander Hamilton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Government power is absolute and encompasses all necessary means to achieve its objectives.

This quote by Alexander Hamilton articulates the inherent nature of governmental power, emphasizing that any authority granted to a government is sovereign and implies the right to utilize any means necessary to fulfill its purposes. It signifies the broad scope of power that governments hold, underscoring the potential for both positive and negative implications depending on how that power is exercised.

Themes

GovernmentPowerSovereigntyAuthorityMeansEnds

In practice

Example use cases

A politician might use this quote in a debate to emphasize the importance of strong governmental authority.

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When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
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It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
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The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
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The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
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The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
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