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The Political Writings of John Dickinson, Esquire: Late President of the State of Delaware, and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Political Writings of John Dickinson, Esquire is a compilation of the political essays and correspondence of John Dickinson, a prominent figure in the early American colonies. Dickinson, known for his eloquence and influence, wrote extensively on issues such as colonial autonomy, the relationship between the colonies and the British government, and the principles of constitutional governance. The volume offers insight into the political thought and actions of Dickinson, who played a significant role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. more

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John Dickinson
John Dickinson

John Dickinson, a prominent statesman, lawyer, and writer during the American Revolutionary War, was born on November 2, 1732, and died on February 14, 1808. He was one of the drafters of the United States Constitution and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, making significant contributions to the development of the early American political and legal system. more

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“[A]lthough a republican government is slow to move, yet when once in motion, its momentum becomes irresistible.”

“If, then, the control of the people over the organs of their government be the measure of its republicanism, and I confess I know no other measure, it must be agreed that our governments have much less of republicanism than ought to have been expected; in other words, that the people have less regular control over their agents, than their rights and their interests require.”

“If we resort for a criterion to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior.”

“A republic, by which I mean a government in which the scheme of representation takes place, opens a different prospect and promises the cure for which we are seeking.”

“The regular distribution of power into distinct departments; the introduction of legislative balances and checks; the institution of courts composed of judges holding their offices during good behavior; the representation of the people in the legislature by deputies of their own election . . . They are means, and powerful means, by which the excellences of republican government may be retained and its imperfections lessened or avoided.”

“The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize.”

“The genius of Republican liberty, seems to demand on one side, not only that all power should be derived from the people; but, that those entrusted with it should be kept in dependence on the people, by a short duration of their appointments; and, that, even during this short period, the trust should be placed not in a few, but in a number of hands.”

“It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in a less degree than to other governments, that those who administer it, may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust.”