Speech on a Plan of Government

Explore 1 quote from Speech on a Plan of Government

All communities divide themselves into the few and the many. The first are the rich and well born, the other the mass of the people... The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class a distinct, permanent share in the government. They will check the unsteadiness of the second, and as they cannot receive any advantage by a change, they therefore will ever maintain good government.

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More information about this quote

Topic

The masses Elitism Political theory

Author

Alexander Hamilton

Source

Speech on a Plan of Government

Language

English

Time

1787 1780s 18th century

Era

American Revolutionary Period

Authentication Score 3

Original Citation

Hamilton, Alexander. "Speech on a Plan of Government." Constitutional Convention. 18 June 1787, Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Current Citation

Hamilton, Alexander. "Speech in the Constitutional Convention on a Plan of Government, June 18, 1787." Alexander Hamilton: Writings, edited by Joanne B. Freeman. Library of America, 2001.