Checks Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“If government is in the hands of the few, they will tyrannize the many; if in the hands of the many, they will tyrannize over the few. It ought to be in the hands of both, and be separated...they will need a mutual check. This check is a monarch.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Federalist Papers, No. 78, 1788
Power concentrated in a single group leads to oppression; shared power with mutual checks prevents tyranny.
In simple terms: Both many and few must share power to avoid tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Balance power with checks.
Themes
politics
governance
power
checks
tyranny
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative design
- corporate governance
- community decision making
- activism
Key Concepts
separation of powers
mutual oversight
constitutional design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design effective mutual checks?
- What risks arise from shared power?
A Different Perspective
Too many checks can cause gridlock.
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