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In executing this power by levying a tariff of duties for…

“In executing this power by levying a tariff of duties for the support of Government, the raising of revenue should be the object and protection the incident. To reverse this principle and make protection the object and revenue the incident would be to inflict manifest injustice upon all other than…” quote by James K Polk
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“In executing this power by levying a tariff of duties for the support of Government, the raising of revenue should be the object and protection the incident. To reverse this principle and make protection the object and revenue the incident would be to inflict manifest injustice upon all other than the protected interests.”

James K Polk

About This Quote

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

The primary purpose of tariffs should be to fund government, with protection as a secondary effect; reversing this leads to unfairness.

In simple terms: Tariffs first fund government, then protect; swapping roles is unjust.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize revenue over protection.

Themes

economics government policy trade justice fairness

Mood

analytical critical

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • budget planning
  • legislative drafting
  • trade negotiations
  • policy analysis

Key Concepts

tariff theory public finance protectionism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How would changing tariff priorities affect domestic industries?
  • What balance should be struck between revenue and protection?
A Different Perspective

May ignore strategic industry needs and domestic economic impacts.

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