That instability is inherent in the nature of popular governments, I think very disputable β¦ A representative democracy, where the right of election is well secured and regulated & the exercise of the legislature, executive, and judiciary authorities, is vested in select persons, chosen really and not nominally by the people, will in my opinion be most likely to be happy, regular and durable.
Interpretation
Hamilton argues that a well-regulated representative democracy leads to stability and happiness.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the importance of a solid structure in popular governments, suggesting that when elections are secure and the governing branches are effectively chosen by the people, the government is likely to be stable, successful, and long-lasting. He disputes the idea that instability is a natural trait of such systems, reinforcing his belief in the efficacy of representative democracy.
In practice
This quote can be used in a political speech to advocate for stronger democratic structures.
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.
Nothing is easier than spending public money. It does not appear to belong to anybody. The temptation is overwhelming to bestow it on somebody.
Big corporations have money and power to make sure every rule breaks their way; people have voices and votes to push back.
Fear obscures reason, intensifies emotions, and makes it easier for demagogic politicians to mobilize the public on behalf of the policies they want to pursue.
The rule of law should be respected so that the basic structure of our democracy is maintained and further strengthened.
Afghanistan's borders are arbitrary, drawn to meet 19th-century political needs rather than to respect ethnic or religious patterns.
It is only common sense to recognize that the great bulk of Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, face many common problems and agree on a number of basic objectives.
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