Annuals Quote by John Adams
“Elections, especially of representatives and counselors, should be annual, there not being in the whole circle of the sciences a maxim more infallible than this, "where annual elections end, there slavery begins." These great men ... should be (chosen) once a year-Like bubbles on the sea of matter bourne, they rise, they break, and to the sea return. This will teach them the great political virtues of humility, patience, and moderation, without which every man in power becomes a ravenous beast of prey.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Political Writings of John Adams, 1795
Frequent elections prevent power from becoming oppressive by ensuring leaders remain humble and moderate.
In simple terms: Regular voting keeps leaders humble.
Key Takeaway
Promote annual elections to curb tyranny.
Themes
politics
governance
accountability
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government bodies
- corporate boards
- nonprofit leadership
Key Concepts
democracy
power dynamics
virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- How can term limits be enforced fairly?
- What safeguards prevent election fatigue?
A Different Perspective
Annual elections may be impractical for large institutions.
![“I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. They are the most glorious nation…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e34/john-adams-529_affair_i-will-insist-the-hebrews-have-contribut_104004.jpg)
