It is the supreme test of a system of government whether…
“It is the supreme test of a system of government whether its machinery is adequate for repressing the selfish undertakings of cliques formed on special interests and saving the public from raids of plunderers.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A government’s quality is measured by its ability to curb selfish group interests and protect the public from exploitation.
In simple terms: Good government stops selfish groups from harming the public.
Key Takeaway
Assess how institutions limit special‑interest power.
Themes
politics
ethics
public policy
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
sociological
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- legislative reform
- anti‑corruption initiatives
- civic education
Key Concepts
public good
institutional checks
collective action
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms best balance group interests and public welfare?
- How can societies prevent elite capture?
A Different Perspective
May ignore complex trade‑offs between regulation and freedom.