The distribution of patronage of the Government is by far the most disagreeable duty of the President.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Buchanan finds the task of handing out government jobs and favors to be very unpleasant.
- In plain terms
- Giving out government jobs is the worst part of being president.
- What can you take from it?
- Patronage creates personal discomfort even for top leaders.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is giving out jobs so difficult?
- How do leaders handle unpopular duties?
Another view
Patronage often remains necessary for political survival.
More from James Buchanan
The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men.
Permalink to quote #14 The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.
Permalink to quote #16 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
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