The last cause which frequently renders a democratic…
““The last cause which frequently renders a democratic government dearer than any other is, that a democracy does not always succeed in moderating its expenditure, because it does not understand the art of being economical. As the designs which it entertains are frequently changed, and the agents of those designs are still more frequently removed, its undertakings are often ill conducted or left unfinished: in the former case the State spends sums out of all proportion to the end which it proposes to accomplish; in the second, the expense itself is unprofitable.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Democratic governments often overspend because they lack consistent fiscal discipline and frequently change plans, leading to wasteful or unfinished projects.
In simple terms: Democracy can waste money due to changing goals and poor budgeting.
Key Takeaway
Implement steady budgeting and long‑term planning.
Themes
economics
government
budgeting
policy
efficiency
Mood
critical
analytical
cautious
Type
analytical
political
economic
When to use this quote
- national budgeting
- public project management
- policy reform
- budget oversight
- government accountability
Key Concepts
public finance
bureaucracy
political economy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a democracy balance responsiveness with fiscal discipline?
- What mechanisms ensure consistent budgeting?
A Different Perspective
Democratic systems may prioritize popular short‑term projects over fiscal prudence.