Tyranny has perhaps oftener grown out of the assumptions of power, called for, on pressing exigencies, by a defective constitution, than out of the full exercise of the largest constitutional authorities.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that tyranny often arises from a misuse of power in urgent situations rather than from full constitutional authority.
Alexander Hamilton's quote highlights the danger of allowing emergency powers or exceptions to undermine constitutional governance. It warns that in times of crisis, leaders may assume powers that can lead to tyranny, even when they believe such actions are necessary. This perspective serves as a caution against the erosion of democratic principles under the guise of urgent necessity.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of civil liberties during a national crisis.
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.
Look at the coded language the Right is using against President Barack Obama. Openly calling him a liar in Congress, saying he is 'not a Christian, he was not born here, he is not one of us.' That makes addressing such issues trickier for the first African-American in the White House.
Citizens United said that transparency would be the disinfectant, but (c)(4)'s are warm, wet, moist incubators. There is no disinfectant.
A politician's words reveal less about what he thinks about his subject than what he thinks about his audience.
The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
A constitution, as important as it is, will mean nothing unless the people are yearning for liberty and freedom.
As the age of television progresses the Reagans will be the rule, not the exception. To be perfect for television is all a President has to be these days.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.