Books Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of the Government, whose duty it is to enforce the wishes of the legislative power until such time as the judicial department shall be pleased to pronounce them invalid and of no effect. Following is an extract from an old book entitled, _The Lunarian Astonished_ --Pfeiffer & Co., Boston, 1803:EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of the Government, whose duty it is to enforce the wishes of the legislative power until such time as the judicial department shall be pleased to pronounce them invalid and of no effect. Following is an extract from an old book entitled, _The Lunarian Astonished_ --Pfeiffer & Co., Boston, 1803:EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of the Government, whose duty it is to enforce the wishes of the legislative power until such time as the judicial department shall be pleased to pronounce them invalid and of no effect. Following is an extract from an old book entitled, _The Lunarian Astonished_ --Pfeiffer & Co., Boston, 1803:EXECUTIVE, n. An officer of”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Lunarian Astonished, 1803
An executive is defined as a government officer who enforces legislative wishes until the judiciary declares them invalid.
In simple terms: An executive enforces laws until courts overturn them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of authority.
Themes
government
law
authority
checks and balances
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
definition
historical
When to use this quote
- policy implementation
- court challenges
- legislative drafting
Key Concepts
bureaucracy
legal theory
separation of powers
Questions to Reflect On
- How do checks and balances affect executive power?
- When should executives defer to courts?
A Different Perspective
Authority can be overridden by judicial review.
