It is of the nature of war to increase the executive at the expense of the legislative authority.
Interpretation
War typically leads to a stronger executive power while diminishing the power of the legislature.
This quote by Alexander Hamilton reflects the idea that during times of war, governments often consolidate power in the hands of the executive branch to enable swift decision-making and action. This centralization can result in a weakening of legislative authority, as the need for quick responses can overshadow the deliberative processes that typically characterize legislative decision-making.
In practice
In a political speech discussing the implications of military action.
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
Politics determines who has the power, not who has the truth.
I am humble Abraham Lincoln. I have been solicited by my friends to become a candidate for the Legislature. My politics are short and sweet, like the old woman's dance.
We must try again to be alive to what the people of our country really long for in our national life: forgiveness and grace, maturity and wisdom. ...Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.
We have two evils to fight, capitalism and racism. We must destroy both racism and capitalism.
We need more of the Office Desk and less of the Show Window in politics. Let men in office substitute the midnight oil for the limelight.
It was clear, for example, in 1988 that the political process had already become perilously remote from the electorate it was meant to represent.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.