In framing a government which is to be administered by men…
“In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A government must first be able to control its citizens, then be compelled to self‑regulate, preventing abuse of power.
In simple terms: Control citizens, then control itself.
Key Takeaway
Design checks that limit both external and internal government power.
Themes
politics
governance
power
self‑regulation
ethics
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative bodies
- judicial oversight
- bureaucratic reform
- civil society monitoring
Key Concepts
social contract
institutional checks
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure a government polices itself?
- Can citizens enforce self‑regulation?
A Different Perspective
Self‑control is difficult; power may resist internal constraints.