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We [the Government] are here not as masters but as…

“We [the Government] are here not as masters but as servants, we are not here to glory in power, but to attest our loyalty to the commands and restrictions laid down by our sovereign, the people of the United States, in whose name and by whose will we exercise our brief authority.” quote by Charles Evans Hughes
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“We [the Government] are here not as masters but as servants, we are not here to glory in power, but to attest our loyalty to the commands and restrictions laid down by our sovereign, the people of the United States, in whose name and by whose will we exercise our brief authority.”

Charles Evans Hughes

About This Quote

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

Government serves the people, exercising limited authority under popular sovereignty.

In simple terms: Govt as servant.

Key Takeaway

Uphold democratic service.

Themes

government service sovereignty

Mood

formal serious

Type

political educational

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • civic education
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

political theory law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to ensure accountability?
  • What limits should be set?
A Different Perspective

Power can be misused despite intent.

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