Political Quotes

Andrew Jackson: “If it is ever used for the ends of government, it has to be incessantly watched, or it corrupts the sources of the…”

On the record
If it is ever used for the ends of government, it has to be incessantly watched, or it corrupts the sources of the public virtue and agitates the country with questions unfavorable to the harmonious and steady pursuit of its true interests.
Said by
Andrew Jackson
Democratic · Tennessee

Editor's note · Context

Jackson cautions that government power, if unchecked, can corrupt public virtue and disrupt national harmony.

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If we turn to our relations with foreign powers, we find our condition equally gratifying.

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It is from within, among yourselves--from cupidity, from corruption, from disappointed ambition and inordinate thirst for power--that factions will be formed and liberty endangered.

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The power, however, is in your hands, and the remedy must and will be applied if you determine upon it.

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