Constitution Quote by Benjamin Franklin
![“This [the U.S. Constitution] is likely to be administered for a course of years and then end in despotism... when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d23/benjamin-franklin-65_constitution_this-the-u-s-constitution-is-likely-to-b_2328463.jpg)
“This [the U.S. Constitution] is likely to be administered for a course of years and then end in despotism... when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1750, to a friend discussing governance
A long‑term government may become despotic if the populace becomes corrupt and unable to self‑govern.
In simple terms: Corruption leads to tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Guard against corruption.
Themes
government
corruption
despotism
Mood
cautionary
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- elections
- civic education
- civic engagement
- policy reform
Key Concepts
political theory
history
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent corruption?
- What checks balance power?
A Different Perspective
Complexities of governance can be oversimplified.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
