Skip to content

The constitution has erected no such single tribunal…

“The constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruption's of time and party, its members would become despots.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
“The constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruption's of time and party, its members would become despots.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

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

Power concentrates in any single body, leading to tyranny over time.

In simple terms: Single tribunals become tyrannical.

Key Takeaway

Guard against concentration of power.

Themes

politics government tyranny

Mood

cautious serious

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • legislative design
  • judicial appointments
  • constitutional reforms
  • public oversight

Key Concepts

checks and balances corruption institutional decay

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies ensure lasting accountability?
  • What mechanisms best prevent institutional corruption?
A Different Perspective

Even with safeguards, power can still be abused.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Constitution quotes

Browse all 4,507 Constitution quotes