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Administration Quote by Abraham Lincoln

“While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no administration, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government in the short space of four years.” quote by Abraham Lincoln
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“While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no administration, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government in the short space of four years.”

Abraham Lincoln

About This Quote

A virtuous, vigilant citizenry limits the damage any corrupt administration can cause within a short term.

In simple terms: Vigilance curtails tyranny

Key Takeaway

Citizen virtue as a check

Themes

civic duty government accountability short-term limits collective responsibility

Mood

hopeful cautious

Type

advice observation

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • public protests
  • media oversight

Key Concepts

virtue vigilance

Practical Applications

  • civic education
  • policy reform

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can vigilance be sustained?
  • What mechanisms reinforce citizen virtue?
A Different Perspective

Even vigilant populations can be overwhelmed by systemic oppression.

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