Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amok by hamstringing it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bierce describes the opposition party as a group that stops government excess by blocking action.
- In plain terms
- Opposition parties exist to stop the government from doing too much.
- What can you take from it?
- It frames political gridlock as a necessary check on power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is slowing government always good?
- What is the role of opposition?
Another view
Sometimes opposition slows progress rather than preventing harm.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Opportunity, n. A favorable occasion for grasping a disappointment.
Permalink to quote #64 Optimist, n. A proponent of the doctrine that black is white.
Permalink to quote #66 Once, adj. Enough.
Permalink to quote #63
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