Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “We know and feel that arbitrary power over distant regions is not within the competence, nor to be exercised agreeably…”

On the record
We know and feel that arbitrary power over distant regions is not within the competence, nor to be exercised agreeably to the forms or consistently with the spirit, of great popular assemblies.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke argues that arbitrary power over distant regions contradicts the principles of popular assemblies.

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

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