The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of national power ought to flow from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority.
Interpretation
The legitimacy of governance should come from the agreement of the people.
This quote by Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the fundamental principle of democracy: that the authority of a government is derived from the consent of the governed. It underscores the importance of public support and participation in shaping governmental power, suggesting that true legitimacy comes from a society where the people's voices are heard and valued.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of voting rights and civic engagement.
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.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
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.
I found that it was all right to have Martians saying things Democrats and Republicans could never say.
A constitution, as important as it is, will mean nothing unless the people are yearning for liberty and freedom.
In contrast to totalitarianism, democracy can face and live with the truth about itself.
Autocratic power requires the degradation of moral authority - not the capture of moral high ground.
Whatever one's religion in his private life may be, for the officeholder, nothing takes precedence over his oath to uphold the Constitution and all its parts - including the First Amendment and the strict separation of church and state.
You call that statesmanship. I call it an emotional spasm.
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