Break Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“We must settle this question now -- whether in a free government the minority have the right to break it up whenever they choose. If we fail, it will go far to prove the incapability of the people to govern themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Illinois State Legislature, 1858
A free government must allow minorities to dissolve it if they deem it oppressive, otherwise it shows the people’s inability to self‑govern.
In simple terms: Minorities can end a free government if it fails them.
Key Takeaway
Guard against tyranny by ensuring minority rights.
Themes
democracy
minority rights
government stability
Mood
cautionary
political
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- civil rights movements
- constitutional crises
Key Concepts
social contract
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect against abuse of minority power?
- How balance majority rule with minority protection?
A Different Perspective
Minority veto can destabilize democracy.
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