I know well the coequal role of the Congress in our constitutional process. I love the House of Representatives. I revere the traditions of the Senate despite my too-short internship in that great body. As President, within the limits of basic principles, my motto toward the Congress is communication, conciliation, compromise, and cooperation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ford expresses respect for Congress and commits to communication and compromise as a guiding principle.
- In plain terms
- He respects Congress and promises to communicate and compromise with them.
- What can you take from it?
- Collaboration requires respecting other branches.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes cooperation difficult in government?
- How can leaders bridge divides?
Another view
The ideal of full cooperation often clashes with partisan political realities.
More from Gerald Ford
It is good to be back in the People's House. But this cannot be a real homecoming. Under the Constitution, I now belong to the executive branch. The Supreme Co…
Permalink to quote #46 I am not asking for conformity. I am dedicated to the two-party system, and you know which party I belong to. I do not want a honeymoon with you. I want a good…
Permalink to quote #48 My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people ru…
Permalink to quote #45
Related quotes
The principle of collective leadership is elementary for a proletarian party and for a party of the Lenin type. Nevertheless, we must emphasize this old truth,…
Anastas MikoyanAnastas Mikoyan quote #2 Von Papen, pious agent of an infidel regime, held the stirrup while Hitler vaulted into the saddle, lubricated the Austrian annexation and devoted his diplomat…
Franz von PapenFranz von Papen quote #8 There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress, as well as others, than I had any conception [of], before I became President of the U.S.
James K. PolkJames K. Polk quote #9