The man who is possessed of wealth, who lolls on his sofa…
““The man who is possessed of wealth, who lolls on his sofa, or rolls in his carriage, cannot judge of the wants or feelings of the day laborer. The government we mean to erect is intended to last for ages. ... unless wisely provided against, what will become of your government? In England, at this day, if elections were open to all classes of people, the property of the landed proprietors would be insecure. An agrarian law would soon take place. If these observations be just, our government ought to secure the permanent interests of the country against innovation. Landholders ought to have a share in the government, to support these invaluable interests, and to balance and check the other. They ought to be so constituted as to protect the minority of the opulent against the majority. The senate, therefore, ought to be this body; and to answer these purposes...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates a government structure protecting elite interests against majority rule, emphasizing stability and minority rights.
In simple terms: Elite should guard against majority excesses.
Key Takeaway
Ensure minority protections in governance.
Themes
government
minority rights
elitism
stability
political theory
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative design
- constitutional debates
- property law
- political reform
Key Concepts
federalism
checks and balances
property rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a government balance elite input with popular sovereignty?
- What safeguards prevent elite dominance?
A Different Perspective
May marginalize broader public interests and hinder democratic participation.