On the record
Democracy is the most monstrous of all governments, because it is impossible at once to act and control; and, consequently, the Sovereign Power is then left without any restraint whatever.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Democracy is the most monstrous of all governments, because it is impossible at once to act and control; and…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke critiques democracy, arguing that it leads to a lack of control over sovereign power.
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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.
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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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I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…
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They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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