Aristocratic Quote by Gordon S. Wood
![“[ Massachusetts constitution] was [John Adams] attempt to justify that structure by the traditional notion of social estates - that the executive represented the monarchical estate, the senate the aristocratic estate, and the house of representatives the estate of the people.” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f9d/gordon-s-wood-13199_aristocratic_massachusetts-constitution-was-john-adam_2289325.jpg)
“[ Massachusetts constitution] was [John Adams] attempt to justify that structure by the traditional notion of social estates - that the executive represented the monarchical estate, the senate the aristocratic estate, and the house of representatives the estate of the people.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Creation of the American Republic, Gordon S. Wood, 1991
The Constitution reflected a hierarchy, assigning each branch to a traditional social estate.
In simple terms: The founding linked government parts to historic social classes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historic class influences.
Themes
political theory
history
social hierarchy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- public policy
- civic discussions
Key Concepts
constitutional law
political science
Questions to Reflect On
- How does class shape modern politics?
- Can we separate power from class?
A Different Perspective
Modern democracy often rejects overt estate language.
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![“[John] Adams identified himself with the political theories of [James] Harrington, [John] Locke, and [Charles-Louis] Montesquieu, whose ideas of constitutionalism, he believed, were applicable to all peoples everywhere; they were his contribution to what he called "the divine science of politics."” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c71/gordon-s-wood-13199_constitutionalism_john-adams-identified-himself-with-the-p_226327.jpg)
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