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The Federal Government is rendered weak to do wrong, and…

“The Federal Government is rendered weak to do wrong, and powerful to do right: for, as soon as it begins to go wrong, it naturally begins to be divided against itself, and the three great wheels of its machinery exhaust their momentum, or wear each other out, in their friction against each other…” quote by William Batchelder Greene
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“The Federal Government is rendered weak to do wrong, and powerful to do right: for, as soon as it begins to go wrong, it naturally begins to be divided against itself, and the three great wheels of its machinery exhaust their momentum, or wear each other out, in their friction against each other; while, as soon as it begins to go right, all the parts work harmoniously, and exhaust their full strength on the object of their action.”

William Batchelder Greene

About This Quote

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

Government effectiveness varies: when corrupt it fragments, when just it unites and maximizes power.

In simple terms: Government works best when just.

Key Takeaway

Support justice, avoid division.

Themes

government justice efficiency

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

political reflective

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • civic engagement
  • leadership challenges

Key Concepts

political theory institutional dynamics power structures

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions stay united in righteousness?
  • What safeguards prevent fragmentation?
A Different Perspective

Even just governments can become inefficient due to bureaucracy.

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