A single assembly is apt to grow ambitious, and after a…
“A single assembly is apt to grow ambitious, and after a time will not hesitate to vote itself perpetual. This was one fault of the Long Parliament; but more remarkably of Holland, whose assembly first voted themselves from annual to septennial, then for life, and after a course of years, that all vacancies happening by death or otherwise, should be filled by themselves, without any application to constituents at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Parliamentary bodies can become self‑perpetuating, losing accountability.
In simple terms: Self‑renewing assemblies risk losing public input.
Key Takeaway
Guard against indefinite terms without elections.
Themes
democracy
accountability
political reform
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative bodies
- corporate boards
- nonprofit trustees
Key Concepts
institutional design
term limits
Questions to Reflect On
- Should term limits be enforced?
- How to balance experience with renewal?
A Different Perspective
Long terms may reduce responsiveness to constituents.