Acquiescence Quote by Thomas A. Bailey
“The two-thirds rule of the Senate, which can be changed only by constitutional amendment, will no doubt continue for a long time to come. Like monogamy, it is not completely satisfactory, but, like monogamy, it has won general if somewhat grudging acquiescence.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional History Lecture, 1965
The Senate’s two‑thirds rule, like monogamy, is imperfect but widely accepted, persisting unless formally changed.
In simple terms: A flawed rule remains due to tradition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and work within entrenched systems.
Themes
politics
tradition
institutional inertia
law
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- constitutional debate
- political strategy
Key Concepts
majority rule
constitutional amendment
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the rule still effective today?
- What alternatives could improve representation?
A Different Perspective
Changing it requires broad consensus.
![“[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/867/thomas-jefferson-43_acquiescence_the-purpose-of-a-written-constitution-is_244689.jpg)
