Political Quotes

On the record
Neither by compact, covenant, or submission,--for men cannot covenant themselves out of their rights and their duties,--nor by any other means, can arbitrary power be conveyed to any man.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke contends that arbitrary power cannot be transferred through agreements, underscoring the inviolability of rights and duties.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.

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Jan 1, 1790

Do they mean to attaint and disable backwards all the kings that have reigned before the Revolution, and consequently to stain the throne of England with the blot of a continual usurpation?

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Jan 1, 1790

But the king of Great Britain obeys no other person; all other persons are individually, and collectively too, under him, and owe to him a legal obedience.

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Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.

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