Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “To execute laws is a royal office; to execute orders is not to be a king.”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
To execute laws is a royal office; to execute orders is not to be a king.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

In his critique of the French Revolution, Burke distinguishes between the traditional royal function of executing laws and the subservient role of executing orders.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation