1800 Quote by Alexander Hamilton
![“If we {Federalists] must have an enemy at the head of government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures. Under Adams as under Jefferson , the government shall sink. The party in the…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/156/alexander-hamilton-619_1800_if-we-federalists-must-have-an-enemy-at_1518693.jpg)
““If we {Federalists] must have an enemy at the head of government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures. Under Adams as under Jefferson , the government shall sink. The party in the hands of whose chief it shall sink will sink with it—and the advantage will be all on the side of his adversaries.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Federalist Papers, No. 78, 1788
He argues that a leader who is not accountable to the party and can be opposed is safest, because a responsible party would avoid disastrous policies.
In simple terms: A non‑responsible opponent is better than a responsible but harmful leader.
Key Takeaway
Prefer leaders who can be challenged and are not beholden to a single party.
Themes
political strategy
leadership accountability
party dynamics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- policy debates
- party leadership decisions
- government reforms
Key Concepts
checks and balances
political theory
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of relying on opposition alone?
- How can accountability be ensured without opposition?
A Different Perspective
Opposing a leader may not prevent poor policies if the party still supports them.
![“That this gentleman [President John Adams] ought not to be the object of the federal wish, is, with me, reduced to demonstration. His administration has already very materially disgraced and sunk the government. There are defects in his character which must inevitably continue to do this more and…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e5/alexander-hamilton-619_administration_that-this-gentleman-president-john-adams_1363825.jpg)
![“[John] Adams was arguing that a separate social order existed that needed to be embodied in senates and his fellow Americans could not accept this and accused him rightly of being obsessed with the English constitution.” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/92a/gordon-s-wood-13199_accepting_john-adams-was-arguing-that-a-separate-s_2932366.jpg)
![“[John] Adams saw clearly that politics is the indispensable foundation for things elegant and beautiful. First and above all else, you must secure life, liberty and the right to pursue your own happiness. That's politics done right, hard-earned, often by war.” quote by Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e96/charles-krauthammer-1232_life_john-adams-saw-clearly-that-politics-is_3217869.jpg)
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
