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EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of the Government, whose duty it…

“EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of the Government, whose duty it is to enforce the wishes of the legislative power until such time as the judicial department shall be pleased to pronounce them invalid and of no effect.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of the Government, whose duty it is to enforce the wishes of the legislative power until such time as the judicial department shall be pleased to pronounce them invalid and of no effect.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A satirical definition of an executive as a bureaucratic enforcer whose authority is ultimately subject to judicial invalidation.

In simple terms: Executives enforce law but can be overruled.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and its limits.

Themes

politics bureaucracy law

Mood

cynical witty

Type

satirical political

When to use this quote

  • government work
  • legal review
  • policy implementation

Key Concepts

authority checks and balances

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does oversight protect democracy?
  • When should executives be challenged?
A Different Perspective

Power can be illusory and contested.

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