The history of the government of the United States under…
““The history of the government of the United States under the present Constitution is a long history of rule by minorities. The Constitution by no means makes majority rule impossible, but it makes rule by a compact, energetic minority exceedingly easy. It was meant to make minority rule easy. The men who made the Constitution did not believe that majorities should rule. The men who made the Constitution were thoroughly imbued with the old political maxim: " Divide and govern." That has ever been the maxim of the small, compact, well organized, intelligent but unscrupulous ruling class. Trump up fake issues! Fill the air with a din! Divide the majority into parties — "and govern!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Constitution was designed to empower a small, organized minority, making majority rule difficult and encouraging division as a governance strategy.
In simple terms: Constitution favors organized minority rule.
Key Takeaway
Beware of structures that enable minority dominance.
Themes
politics
governance
minority power
division
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- activism
Key Concepts
constitutional law
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does minority rule affect democracy?
- What safeguards can prevent division tactics?