Home / Authors / James K. Polk

James K. Polk Quotes

11th U.S. President

James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. Known for his foreign policy and the expansion of the United States' territory, he is particularly remembered for his role in the Mexican War, which significantly increased the country's land area.

Filter quotes by topic

All States Constitution President Presidential Government People Political Should Blessing Church Church And State Ifs Men Office Patriotic Politics Presidency Principles Providence Together

Famous James K. Polk Quotes

“No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure. If he entrusts the details and smaller matters to subordinates constant errors will occur. I prefer to supervise the whole operations of the government myself rather than entrust the public business to subordinates, and this makes my duties very great.”

Ifs Matter Whole Government President Duty Constant Errors Details Operations Leisure Subordinates

Book:The diary of James K. Polk during his presidency, 1845 to 1849, now first printed from the original manuscript in the collections of the Chicago historical society; Volume 4

Source: The diary of James K. Polk during his presidency, 1845 to 1849, now first printed from the original manuscript in the collections of the Chicago historical society; Volume 4

“There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.”

Political President Principles Members Congress Selfishness Presidential Conception

Book:The Diary of James K. Polk During His Presidency

Source: The Diary of James K. Polk During His Presidency

“Although in our country the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party and stand pledged to its principles and measures, yet in his official action he should not be the President of a part only, but of the whole people of the United States.”

People Should States Whole Action President United Party Principles History United States Chosen Chiefs Officials World History Magistrates

Author:James K. Polk

“No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.”

Political Politics President Duty Patriotic Leisure Presidency Us President

Book:The diary of James K. Polk during his presidency, 1845 to 1849, now first printed from the original manuscript in the collections of the Chicago historical society; Volume 4

Source: The diary of James K. Polk during his presidency, 1845 to 1849, now first printed from the original manuscript in the collections of the Chicago historical society; Volume 4

“Thank God, under our Constitution there was no connection between Church and State, and that in my action as President of the United States I recognized no distinction of creeds in my appointments office.”

States Action President Church United United States Office Connections Constitution Separation Presidential Distinction Thank God Creeds Church And State Separation Of Church And State Appointments Separation Between Church And State

Author:James K. Polk

“I cannot, whilst President of the United States, descend to enter into a newspaper controversy.”

States President United United States Newspapers Controversy

Author:James K. Polk

About the Author

Born: November 2, 1795
Died: June 15, 1849
Known for: 11th U.S. President
Quotes: 31

Books & Sources

The diary of James K. Polk during his presidency, 1845 to 1849, now first printed from the original manuscript in the collections of the Chicago historical society; Volume 4Related source material

Messages and Papers of the Presidents: James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, and Franklin PierceRelated source material

The Diary of James K. Polk During His PresidencyRelated source material

Similar Authors

John TylerBrowse related quotes
Chester A. ArthurBrowse related quotes
Millard FillmoreBrowse related quotes
Andrew JohnsonBrowse related quotes
James BuchananBrowse related quotes
Franklin PierceBrowse related quotes
Herbert HooverBrowse related quotes
Andrew JacksonBrowse related quotes
Grover ClevelandBrowse related quotes
Ellery SchemppBrowse related quotes