They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial…
““They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force—to put in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party;—often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community;—and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils, and modified by mutual interests.—However combinations or associations of the above descriptions may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People, and to usurp for themselves the reins of Government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.—””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns that political parties can dominate governance, turning public administration into a tool for self‑interest rather than collective good.
In simple terms: Parties can hijack government for selfish aims.
Key Takeaway
Guard democratic institutions against party dominance.
Themes
politics
power
corruption
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
warning
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy making
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
elite capture
institutional decay
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect public interest?
- How can citizens hold parties accountable?
A Different Perspective
Party power can also bring reforms.