First class Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class a distinct permanent share in the government... Can a democratic assembly who annually revolve in the mass of the people be supposed steadily to pursue the public good?”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 22, 1787
The quote questions the instability of popular opinion and questions whether a constantly shifting democratic assembly can reliably serve the public interest.
In simple terms: People change often, making stable governance hard.
Key Takeaway
Consider stable, informed representation.
Themes
democracy
political theory
government stability
public good
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative bodies
- citizen juries
- public policy debates
- constitutional design
Key Concepts
Republicanism
social contract
deliberative democracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions balance responsiveness with stability?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability without constant turnover?
A Different Perspective
It assumes a static public good, ignoring evolving societal needs.
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