--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The people are turbulent and changing…" description: "\"The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class a distinct permanent share in the govern..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b2d/alexander-hamilton-619_first-class_the-people-are-turbulent-and-changing-th_1345914.jpg" --- # The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge… ![“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?” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b2d/alexander-hamilton-619_first-class_the-people-are-turbulent-and-changing-th_1345914.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b2d/alexander-hamilton-619_first-class_the-people-are-turbulent-and-changing-th_1345914.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b2d/alexander-hamilton-619_first-class_the-people-are-turbulent-and-changing-th_1345914.jpg) > “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?” [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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