Government is not a trade which any man or body of men has…
“Government is not a trade which any man or body of men has a right to set up and exercise for his own emolument, but is altogether a trust, in right of those by whom that trust is delegated, and by whom it is always resumable. It has of itself no rights; they are altogether duties.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Government exists as a public trust, not a personal profit venture; its authority comes from the people and is revocable.
In simple terms: Government is a trust, not a personal business.
Key Takeaway
Treat government as a fiduciary duty.
Themes
politics
ethics
public trust
authority
responsibility
Mood
concerned
critical
hopeful
Type
political
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- voting
- civic engagement
- policy advocacy
- community organizing
- public service
Key Concepts
social contract
fiduciary duty
delegated power
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens ensure government remains accountable?
- What mechanisms protect against abuse of delegated authority?
A Different Perspective
Power can become self‑serving if oversight is weak.