The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Voting is presented as the most reliable method for free people to resolve conflicts.
- In plain terms
- Choosing leaders through voting is the best way for free people to settle arguments.
- What can you take from it?
- Democracy resolves disputes better than force or coercion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What happens when the ballot box is inaccessible?
- Can voting truly settle deep ideological divides?
Another view
It assumes all free men have equal access to the ballot box.
More from James Buchanan
Prevent the American people from crossing the Rocky Mountains? You might as well command Niagara not to flow. We must fulfill our destiny.
Permalink to quote #13 The distribution of patronage of the Government is by far the most disagreeable duty of the President.
Permalink to quote #15 I like the noise of democracy.
Permalink to quote #12
Related quotes
Our march to freedom is irreversible. We must not allow fear to stand in our way. Universal suffrage on a common voters' roll in a united, democratic and non-r…
Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela quote #16 The essence of a democracy is a free electorate.
Arlen SpecterArlen Specter quote #17 Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates.
Gore VidalGore Vidal quote #24