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Quote by James Russell Lowell

“All free governments, whatever their name, are in reality governments by public opinion ; and it is on the quality of this public opinion that their prosperity depends. It is, therefore, their first duty to purify the element from which they draw the breath of life.”

Book:Essays, English and American

Work

Essays, English and American

This volume compiles a selection of essays that span the literary traditions of England and the United States, showcasing a variety of perspectives and styles across different genres. more

Author

James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell was an American poet, born on February 22, 1819, and died on August 12, 1891. His poetry is known for its profound social insights and admiration for nature. more

“As the people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived, it seems strictly consonant to the republican theory, to recur to the same original authority, not only whenever it may be necessary to enlarge, diminish, or new-model the powers of the government, but also whenever any one of the departments may commit encroachments on the chartered authorities of the others.”

People May Seems Government Theory Republican Authority Models Originals Commit Branches Department Diminish Fountain Charter Encroachment Consonants Branches Of Government

Book:The Federalist, on the new constitution, written in 1788, with an appendix, containing the letters of Pacificus and Helvidius on the proclamation of neutrality of 1793, also the original articles of confederation and the constitution of the United States

Source: The Federalist, on the new constitution, written in 1788, with an appendix, containing the letters of Pacificus and Helvidius on the proclamation of neutrality of 1793, also the original articles of confederation and the constitution of the United States

“In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by Power. In America ... charters of power [are] granted by liberty.”

Has Beens Government America Liberty Europe Granted Charter

Author:James Madison

“I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism.”