Acting Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“A party should not contain utterly incongruous elements, radically divided on the real issues, and acting together only on false and dead issues insincerely painted as real and vital. It should not in the several States as well as in the Nation be prostituted to the service of the baser type of political boss. It should be so composed that there should be a reasonable agreement in the actions taken by it both in the Nation and in the several States. Judged by these standards, both of the old parties break down.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, early 20th century
A political party should avoid contradictory, superficial issues and not serve narrow interests, aiming for coherent national and state action.
In simple terms: Parties need consistency and genuine focus.
Key Takeaway
Seek unity and clear purpose in collective action.
Themes
politics
integrity
cohesion
leadership
policy
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
ideological
When to use this quote
- campaign planning
- legislative agenda setting
- public discourse
Key Concepts
democratic theory
public trust
partisanism
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should a party prioritize?
- How can parties balance national and local concerns?
A Different Perspective
Competing interests often fragment parties.
![“Where the principle of difference [between political parties] is as substantial and as strongly pronounced as between the republicans and the monocrats of our country, I hold it as honorable to take a firm and decided part and as immoral to pursue a middle line, as between the parties of honest…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/thomas-jefferson-43_country_where-the-principle-of-difference-betwee_1164575.jpg)
