Wise politicians will be cautious about fettering the government with restrictions that cannot be observed, because they know that every break of the fundamental laws, though dictated by necessity, impairs that sacred reverence which ought to be maintained in the breast of rulers towards the constitution of a country.
Interpretation
Wise leaders recognize the importance of constitutional limits and avoid making impractical restrictions that can lead to disrespect for the law.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes that prudent politicians understand the need to establish realistic limitations on government power. Imposing unobservable restrictions not only becomes impractical but also diminishes the respect that leaders should have for the constitution, which is the bedrock of governance. Hamilton warns that even if a violation of the law seems necessary, it can erode the essential reverence and trust in the constitutional framework that guides the country.
In practice
Discussing the importance of constitutional law in a political debate.
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.
Government is like an onion. To understand it, you have to peel through many different layers. Most outsiders never get beyond the first or second layer.
Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary.
I hope I'm wrong, but I am afraid that Iraq is going to turn out to be the greatest disaster in American foreign policy - worse than Vietnam, not in the number who died, but in terms of its unintended consequences and its reverberation throughout the region.
Persisting social crisis, the emergence of a charismatic personality, and the exploitation of mass media to obtain public confidence would be the steppingstones in the piecemeal transformation of the United States into a highly controlled society.
The depositary of power is always unpopular.
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.
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