--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is an important sense in which…" description: "\"There is an important sense in which government is distinctive from administration. One is perpetual, the other is temporary and changeable. A man may ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/543/abraham-lincoln-88_administration_there-is-an-important-sense-in-which-gov_3108971.png" --- # There is an important sense in which government is… ![“There is an important sense in which government is distinctive from administration. One is perpetual, the other is temporary and changeable. A man may be loyal to his government and yet oppose the particular principles and methods of administration.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/543/abraham-lincoln-88_administration_there-is-an-important-sense-in-which-gov_3108971.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/543/abraham-lincoln-88_administration_there-is-an-important-sense-in-which-gov_3108971.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/543/abraham-lincoln-88_administration_there-is-an-important-sense-in-which-gov_3108971.png) > “There is an important sense in which government is distinctive from administration. One is perpetual, the other is temporary and changeable. A man may be loyal to his government and yet oppose the particular principles and methods of administration.” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Government is a lasting institution, while administration is temporary and changeable; loyalty can differ between them. **In simple terms:** Government endures, administration changes; loyalty can vary. Key Takeaway Recognize the distinction between enduring principles and shifting practices. Themes politics leadership institutional theory Mood thoughtful critical Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - policy making - public service - organizational change - citizen engagement Key Concepts public administration political philosophy loyalty Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance support for a nation with critique of its policies? - When is it appropriate to oppose administrative actions? A Different Perspective Loyalty to a government may conflict with criticism of its administration. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Administration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/administration/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Loyalty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loyalty/) [Management](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/management/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) ## Related quotes > [“I'll remain loyal to my country always. Speak of change that could be implemented across the ocean. And I will respect and only remain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-johnson-jr/i-ll-remain-loyal-to-my-country-always-speak-of-change-that-could-be/) [Henry Johnson Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-johnson-jr/) > [The forces that rescued Americans on Sept. 11, 2012, were not the U.S. military. 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