Abuse Quote by Oliver Ellsworth
“The powers of congress must be defined, but their means must be adequate to the purposes of their constitution. It is possible there may be abuses and misapplications; still, it is better to hazard something than to hazard at all.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Constitutional Convention, 1787
Congressional authority should be clear and resources sufficient to fulfill constitutional goals, accepting some risk over inaction.
In simple terms: Define powers, ensure resources, avoid paralysis.
Key Takeaway
Provide clear authority and resources.
Themes
governance
balance of power
risk management
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy implementation
- budget planning
- crisis response
Key Concepts
constitutional law
institutional design
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance adequate power with safeguards?
- What risks arise from insufficient resources?
A Different Perspective
Too much risk can lead to overreach and unintended consequences.
