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Budgets Quote by Gore Vidal

“Congress no longer declares war or makes budgets. So that's the end of the constitution as a working machine.” quote by Gore Vidal
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“Congress no longer declares war or makes budgets. So that's the end of the constitution as a working machine.”

Gore Vidal

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Constitution and Its Future, 1970

When Congress stops its core functions, the Constitution ceases to operate effectively.

In simple terms: No war or budgets, no working Constitution.

Key Takeaway

Demand accountable governance.

Themes

politics constitution accountability

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • public policy
  • civic education

Key Concepts

civic theory institutional decay

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens enforce legislative responsibility?
  • What reforms could revive constitutional function?
A Different Perspective

Constitution can adapt without Congress.

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