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"Every citizen must look up to the laws, as his master, his guardian, and his friend; and whenever any of his fellow citizens, whether magistrates or subjects, attempt to deprive him of his right, he must appeal to the laws; if the aristocracy encroach, he must appeal to the democracy; if they are divided, he must appeal to the monarchical power to decide between them, by joining with that which adheres to the laws; if the democracy is on the scramble for power, he must appeal to the aristocracy, and the monarchy, which by uniting may restrain it. If the regal authority presumes too far, he must appeal to the other two. Without three divisions of power, stationed to watch each other, and compare each other's conduct with the laws, it will be impossible that the laws should at all times preserve their authority, and govern all men."
 By: | John Adams (more quotes by John Adams or books by/about John Adams) |
| (1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President |
Source: | Defence of Constitutions, Vol I, LETTER XXXIV, 1787 http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch11s10.html |
Categories: | Aristocracy, Authority, Democracy, Government, Law, Monarchy, Republic |
Rating: |   |