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About this quote

What does it mean?
The Constitution assumes the King is human and prone to error, so power must be checked.
In plain terms
The system is built on the idea that even kings make mistakes.
What can you take from it?
Checks on power are necessary because leaders are fallible.

Where it applies

  • lawmaking
  • leadership
  • institutional design

Putting it to work

  • limit authority
  • assume fallibility
  • design safeguards

Questions to consider

  • How much trust should leaders get?
  • What checks protect us?

Another view

Assuming leaders will do wrong can undermine necessary trust.

More from A. P. Herbert

  1. Justice should be cheap but judges expensive.

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  2. 'Was the cow crossed?' 'No, your worship, it was an open cow.'

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  3. The Englishman never enjoys himself except for a noble purpose. He does not play cricket because it is a good game, but because it creates good citizens. He do…

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