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.
We must not let history repeat itself in Iraq. The reality is there is no military solution in Iraq. This is a sectarian war with long standing roots that were flamed when we invaded Iraq in 2003. Any lasting solution must be political and take into account respect for the entire Iraqi population.
If government were a product, selling it would be illegal.
It is a matter of record that in the German Election of 1933, the Communist Party was ordered by its leaders to vote for the Nazis - with the explanation that they could later fight the Nazis for power, but first they had to help destroy their common enemy : capitalism and its parliamentary form of government.
Political campaigns are designedly made into emotional orgies which endeavor to distract attention from the real issues involved, and they actually paralyze what slight powers of cerebration man can normally muster.
Partisans fight on familiar territory with professed political objectives to conquer power. This is what distinguishes them from terrorists
Iran has to live up to its international obligations. . . . The president has said that our patience is not unlimited.
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