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Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the…

“Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the powers of sovereignty; and those powers will be first abused, and afterwards lost, if they are committed to an unwieldy multitude.” quote by Edward Gibbon
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“Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the powers of sovereignty; and those powers will be first abused, and afterwards lost, if they are committed to an unwieldy multitude.”

Edward Gibbon

About This Quote

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

Democratic power can be misused and lost when too many uncoordinated voices compete.

In simple terms: Too many voices can corrupt democracy.

Key Takeaway

Structure participation to prevent abuse.

Themes

politics sovereignty governance

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • public forums
  • policy debates
  • civic education

Key Concepts

democratic theory political philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance participation with order?
  • What safeguards protect against power abuse?
A Different Perspective

Strong centralization can also threaten liberty.

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