Quote#Politics & Power
By the theory of our Government majorities rule, but this right is…
Quote byJames K. Polk · 1795–1849
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Inaugural Address (4 March 1845) QOTD 2007·11·02 Sound file.
English (original)
By the theory of our Government majorities rule, but this right is not an arbitrary or unlimited one. It is a right to be exercised in subordination to the Constitution and in conformity to it. One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights.
— James K. Polk
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It becomes us, in humility, to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored.
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 …
Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our Government.
Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.
The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.
The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves.