General welfare Quote by George Clinton
““But whoever seriously considers the immense extent of territory comprehended within the limits of the United States, together with the variety of its climates, productions, and commerce, the difference of extent, and number of inhabitants in all; the dissimilitude of interest, morals, and politics, in almost every one, will receive it as an intuitive truth, that a consolidated republican form of government therein, can never form a perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to you and your posterity, for to these objects it must be directed. This unkindred legislature therefore, composed of interests opposite and dissimilar in their nature, will in its exercise, emphatically be like a house divided against itself.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: United States Senate, “On the Union”, 1791
The vast diversity of the United States makes a perfect union impossible, as differing interests and morals prevent cohesive governance.
In simple terms: Diverse interests hinder unity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace compromise to manage differences.
Themes
politics
diversity
unity
governance
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- policy negotiations
- state conventions
- public forums
- constitutional conventions
Key Concepts
federalism
regional interests
political fragmentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a nation balance diversity with unity?
- What mechanisms foster effective federal cooperation?
A Different Perspective
Compromise may dilute ideal policies.
