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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.
Alexander Hamilton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A republic thrives when citizens freely elect their leaders, ensuring true representation.

Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the fundamental principle of a republic, which is that citizens have the right to choose their leaders without external influences. He argues that true representation occurs when elections are free from manipulation and that the purity of the electoral process is vital for the integrity of a government that is accountable to its people.

Themes

RepublicGovernmentElectionRepresentationLiberty

In practice

Example use cases

During a civic education class discussing the importance of fair elections.

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Quote by Alexander Hamilton | QuoteProject