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Long Quote by John C. Calhoun

“There is a tendency in all parties, when they have been for a long time in possession of power, to augment it.” quote by John C. Calhoun
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“There is a tendency in all parties, when they have been for a long time in possession of power, to augment it.”

John C. Calhoun

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks on Government, John C. Calhoun, 1840

Power tends to expand when held for long periods, leading to overreach.

In simple terms: Power grows and becomes excessive.

Key Takeaway

Guard against concentration of power.

Themes

politics power corruption

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • government leadership
  • long‑term office
  • policy making
  • institutional checks

Key Concepts

political theory human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does prolonged power affect decision making?
  • What safeguards can limit power growth?
A Different Perspective

Power can be justified as necessary for stability.

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