If any ask me what a free government is, I answer, that, for any practical purpose, it is what the people think so, - and that they, and not I, are the natural, lawful, and competent judges of this matter.

Quote by Edmund Burke

Topics: Government Quotes

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a...

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a...

When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one,...

When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one,...

It is in the interest of the commercial world that wealth should be found everywhere

It is in the interest of the commercial world that wealth should be found everywhere

Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.

Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.

The march of the human mind is slow.

The march of the human mind is slow.

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion, is safe.

Never despair, but if you do, work in despair

Never despair, but if you do, work in despair

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is...

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is...

Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.

Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.

When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one,...

When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one,...

In all forms of government the people is the true legislator.

In all forms of government the people is the true legislator.

Our patience will achieve more than our force.

Our patience will achieve more than our force.

It is the nature of all greatness not to be exact.

It is the nature of all greatness not to be exact.

Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond...

Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond...

Mere parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essential part in...

Mere parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essential part in...

It is undoubtedly the business of ministers very much to consult the inclinations of the...

It is undoubtedly the business of ministers very much to consult the inclinations of the...

Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle.

Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle.

But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all...

But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all...

The liberty of the individual is a necessary postulate of human progress.

The liberty of the individual is a necessary postulate of human progress.

Life and liberty can be as much endangered from illegal methods used to convict those...

Life and liberty can be as much endangered from illegal methods used to convict those...