England Quote by Walter Bagehot
“It has been said that England invented the phrase, 'Her Majesty's Opposition'.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The English Constitution by Walter Bagehot, 1867
The phrase highlights the formal role of the official opposition in British parliamentary democracy.
In simple terms: Opposition is an official, essential part of government.
Key Takeaway
Respect the institutional role of dissent.
Themes
politics
government
democracy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- policy critique
- media analysis
Key Concepts
parliamentary system
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a strong opposition benefit governance?
- What risks arise when opposition is weakened?
A Different Perspective
Opposition can be co-opted or marginalized.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
