Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: By ingrafting representation upon democracy, we arrive at a system of government capable of embracing and confederating…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
By ingrafting representation upon democracy, we arrive at a system of government capable of embracing and confederating all the various interests and every extent of territory and population; and that also with advantages as much superior to hereditary government, as the republic of letters is to hereditary literature.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," Paine explains how combining representation with democracy creates a robust system suitable for large and diverse nations, superior to hereditary rule.

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