Political Quotes

Walter Bagehot: A formidable sinister interest may always obtain the complete command of a dominant assembly by some chance and for a…

On the record
A formidable sinister interest may always obtain the complete command of a dominant assembly by some chance and for a moment, and it is therefore of great use to have a second chamber of an opposite sort, differently composed, in which that interest in all likelihood will not rule.
Said by
Walter Bagehot

Editor's note · Context

Bagehot advocates for a second chamber in government to counteract the influence of dominant interests.

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