Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “They each give to the other the full, complete, and perfect powers of the government; and in order to secure themselves…”

On the record
They each give to the other the full, complete, and perfect powers of the government; and in order to secure themselves against any obstacles that might arise, they mutually engage to ratify each other's acts: and they say this is not illegal, because Lord Cornwallis has had such a deputation.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke outlines the mutual agreement between two leaders to grant each other full powers, questioning its legality.

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Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

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Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

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Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

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But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

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