American government did not originate in any abstract theories about liberty and equality, but in the actual experience gained by generation after generation of English colonists in managing their own political affairs. The Revolution did not make a breach in the continuity of their institutional life.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that American governance evolved from practical experiences rather than just theoretical ideals.
Charles A. Beard highlights that the foundation of the American government was not purely based on philosophical ideas of liberty and equality, but rather arose from the lived experiences of English colonists. Through generations, these colonists developed their political systems and practices, suggesting that the American Revolution served to build upon an established political framework rather than disrupt it entirely.
In practice
In a discussion about the origins of democracy, one might use this quote to illustrate the practical roots of American governance.
The study of history reveals that human progress has not been continuous and regular, but intermittent and spasmodic, often depending upon apparently accidental causes. It is difficult to get a cross-section view of society at any given stage.
The functions of the president are prescribed by the Constitution, but his real achievements are not set by the letter of the law. They are determined rather by his personality, the weight of his influence, his capacity for managing men, and the strength and effectiveness of the party forces behind him.
All the lessons of history in four sentences: Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad with power. The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small. The bee fertilizes the flower it robs. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
Education from the lowest to the highest form must have for its object the training of the individual so that, in seeking the fullest satisfaction of his own nature, he will harmoniously perform his function as a member of a corporate society.
Our only real hope for democracy is that we get the money out of politics entirely and establish a system of publicly funded elections.
Elections have consequences. So many people want to complain, but they don't want to vote. We can talk about Hillary Clinton. We can celebrate her; we can support her, but if we don't come out and vote for her, for shame.
This country has been strip-mined by rich and powerful interests. If you dont like what they're doing, don't just sit there. Vote them out.
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
The new rule in American politics is that no one can make it to the White House without the Hispanic vote.
The statesman who yields to war fever must realise that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events.
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