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well the other thing though is Madison was quite clear that all his various structures would not work if the people lack virtue

William B. Fuckley@opinionhaver.bsky.social

Because they were *too* cynical and anticipated a equilbrium where eg: Congress would never relinquish their personal political power to the executive branch. A system built to set grubby power seekers against each other is cracking under the weight of sincere ideologues

ryan cooper

@ryanlcooper.com

25 Aug

"Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks--no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea."

press-pubs.uchicago.eduRepresentation: James Madison, Virginia Ratifying Convention

Dawn

@time2move.bsky.social

25 Aug

Admit I had to look up chimerical. (I guessed correctly) Why don’t we talk like this anymore?

ryan cooper

@ryanlcooper.com

back in the day it was thought, possibly correctly, that being kinda pretentious and wordy was good

25/8/26, 3:17 pm1 repost3 likes

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