[T]he great security against a gradual concentration of…
![“[T]he great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachment of the others.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/0c8/james-madison-373_concentration_t-he-great-security-against-a-gradual-co_2034701.jpg)
“[T]he great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachment of the others.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that concentrating power in one department is dangerous; each department should have means to resist encroachment.
In simple terms: Separate powers must have checks to prevent dominance.
Key Takeaway
Ensure institutional checks and balances.
Themes
government
separation of powers
checks and balances
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
political
constitutional
When to use this quote
- legislative oversight
- executive limits
- judicial review
Key Concepts
constitutional design
institutional autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern institutions strengthen interdepartmental resistance?
- What mechanisms best prevent power concentration?
A Different Perspective
Balancing power can be politically contentious.