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The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy.
Woodrow Wilson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects a critique of how powerful interests can undermine democracy.

Woodrow Wilson's quote highlights the concern that government, initially meant to serve the populace, has been overtaken by influential corporations and their leaders. This 'invisible empire' suggests that true power resides not with elected representatives, but with elite groups that manipulate democratic processes to serve their own interests, thus endangering the principles of democracy.

Themes

GovernmentDemocracyPowerSpecial InterestsPolitics

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech discussing the influence of corporations on legislation.

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