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About this quote

What does it mean?
Representatives must use their own judgment rather than blindly following constituents.
In plain terms
A representative should give their judgment, not just agree with voters.
What can you take from it?
Trust elected leaders to make independent decisions.

Where it applies

  • voting
  • lobbying
  • legislation

Putting it to work

  • vote for leaders
  • respect independence
  • avoid pressure

Questions to consider

  • Should leaders follow voters or their own mind?
  • Who represents your interests?

Another view

Leaders may ignore their constituents.

More from Edmund Burke

  1. I take toleration to be a part of religion. I do not know which I would sacrifice; I would keep them both: it is not necessary that I should sacrifice either.

    Permalink to quote #7
  2. Parliament is not a congress of ambassadors from different and hostile interests; which interests each must maintain, as an agent and advocate, against other a…

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.

    Permalink to quote #6

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