On the record
An example set by so strong a ruler as Jackson, especially in the establishment of a practice so congenial to man's natural love of power, was certain to be followed by other Presidents.
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gutenberg.orgJames Blaine: “An example set by so strong a ruler as Jackson, especially in the establishment of a practice so congenial to man's…”
Editor's note · Context
Blaine warns that Jackson's strong use of veto power would set a precedent for future Presidents, reflecting on the nature of power in governance.
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More from James Blaine
Under such circumstances, to send a military force into any State, with orders to act against the people, would be simply making war upon them.
The right of the General Government to preserve itself in its whole constitutional vigor by repelling a direct and positive aggression upon its property or its officers cannot be denied.
All these provisions are made to protect the States, not to authorize an attack by one part of the country upon another; to preserve the peace, and not to plunge them into civil war.
But what if the feeling in any State against the United States should become so universal that the Federal officers themselves (including judges, district attorneys, and marshals) would be reached by the same influences, and resign their…
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