On the record
He is but a messenger--a transmitter; the real decision is in those who choose him--who chose him because they knew what he would do.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “He is but a messenger--a transmitter; the real decision is in those who choose him--who chose him because they knew what…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot emphasizes that the true decision-making power lies with those who select the executive, not the executive themselves.
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More from Walter Bagehot
Just so the lines of our Constitution were framed in old eras of sparse population, few wants, and simple habits; and we adhere in seeming to their shape, though civilisation has come with its dangers, complications, and enjoyments.
These anomalies, in a hundred instances, mark the old boundaries of a constitutional struggle.
The casual line was traced according to the strength of deceased combatants; succeeding generations fought elsewhere; and the hesitating line of a half-drawn battle was left to stand for a perpetual limit.
Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
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