Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
As he is not to obey us, but we are to obey the law in him, our Constitution has made no sort of provision towards rendering him, as a servant, in any degree responsible.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Explaining the British constitutional framework, Burke clarifies that the king is not accountable to the people, but rather the people obey the law embodied in him, rendering him irresponsible as a servant.

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