Action Quote by George Washington
“All combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Federalist Papers, No. 10, 1787
The quote warns that organized factions, especially those led by a clever minority, undermine the nation's collective will and core principles.
In simple terms: Factions can hijack national decision‑making.
Key Takeaway
Guard against concentrated minority power.
Themes
politics
faction
democracy
power
authority
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
theoretical
When to use this quote
- elections
- legislative processes
- public policy debates
- civil society activism
Key Concepts
pluralism
elite control
collective will
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance minority influence with majority rule?
- What safeguards prevent factional abuse?
A Different Perspective
Minorities may also protect minority rights and innovate.
