Political Obligations Quotes

We balance inconveniences; we give and take; we remit some rights, that we may enjoy others; and we choose rather to be happy citizens than subtle disputants. As we must give away some natural liberty, to enjoy civil advantages, so we must sacrifice some civil liberties, for the advantages to be derived from the communion and fellowship of a great empire.

States are not moral agents.

Every Government has certain moral and physical qualities engrafted in their very nature,-one operates on the sentiments of men, the other on their fears

All modern U.S. presidents are perforce politicians, prisoners of their past pronouncements, their party, their constituency, and their colleagues.

The basic principle that governs the relation between a state and its people --a total and unconditional subordination and submission of individuals and classes to the state…

I am not a governor of a Province. There can be no promotion for a King other than that of Heaven itself…. What possible right could I have to ask for an oath of allegiance from another people if I do not remain faithful to that which I had sworn to Holland when I ascended the throne.

On every unauthoritative exercise of power by the legislature must the people rise in rebellion or their silence be construed into a surrender of that power to them? If so, how many rebellions should we have had already?

I want to continue to do a good job for my constituents, my party doesn't want me to resign.

Even Kings may forfeit or discharge the allegiance of their subjects.

Why can't the state accede to the public's wishes?

The Hamas organization is unwilling to honor the obligations that the Palestinian Authority has signed.

A great nation cannot abandon its responsibilities. Responsibilities abandoned today return as more acute crises tomorrow.

Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint.

Every human being has the right to live. It is our duty to acknowledge that right by providing for it. In a natural state of society it would take care of itself. As matters are now it must be deliberately provided for.

Elected leaders who forget how they got there won't the next time.

If 'extreme' means that I am unwilling to go to Washington, D.C., and do what President Obama tells me, then so be it. But I am certainly not going to Washington, D.C. to represent the interests of D.C. I'm going there to represent Colorado values.

Anyone who thinks that the vice-president can take a position independent of the president of his administration simply has no knowledge of politics or government. You are his choice in a political marriage, and he expects your absolute loyalty.

My job is to make certain that I've done what I was asked and my department has done what we were asked to do by the president and the first lady and the State Department. I believe that we accomplished that.

… the origin of all civil government, justly established, must be a voluntary compact, between the rulers and the ruled; and must be liable to such limitations, as are necessary for the security of the absolute rights of the latter; for what original title can any man or set of men have, to govern others, except their own consent?

If the government is determined to reject what we have accepted, then do not ask us to do it…since the supreme interests of the country are above personal considerations, the national government can act according to its conviction. We expect no thanks from the government. The nation and history will be our judge.

I need to maintain a home in Derbyshire and in London to be able both to represent my constituents and to fulfil my responsibilities as an MP and as a minister.

You ought to spread campaign contributions around so that you're not beholden to any one contributing group.

Chinese entrepreneurs have to implement their work under the leadership of the Party and the government - it is very clear.

Congress can't take the year off, election or no election.

All enterprises and major players need to pay attention to the needs of the government of the country of which they are a part. At one level, it would be unconscionable for a company like Huawei not to be responsive to Chinese national-security needs.