And because it may be too great a temptation to human…
“And because it may be too great a temptation to human frailty, apt to grasp at power, for the same persons, who have the power of making laws, to have also in their hands the power to execute them, whereby they may exempt themselves from obedience to the laws they make, and suit the law, both in its making, and execution, to their own private advantage.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He warns that lawmakers might manipulate law to serve personal interests, creating a conflict of interest.
In simple terms: Lawmakers could bend laws for themselves.
Key Takeaway
Guard against power abuse in lawmaking.
Themes
politics
law
ethics
power
corruption
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial oversight
- public policy
Key Concepts
social contract
separation of powers
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure impartial law enforcement?
- What checks prevent self‑serving legislation?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt even well‑intentioned legislators.