Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: “The defect was not in the principle, but in the distribution of power.”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
The defect was not in the principle, but in the distribution of power.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," this passage identifies the core issue with the early American governmental structure as a flaw in power distribution rather than fundamental principles.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…

gutenberg.org