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About this quote

What does it mean?
Government is described as unreal and intangible like God, making it impossible to find directly in legislative halls; one only finds agents.
In plain terms
Government is abstract and can't be found directly, only its agents.
What can you take from it?
Recognize government as an abstract entity represented by agents.

Where it applies

  • civic education
  • political science
  • legal theory

Putting it to work

  • identify agents of power
  • question government structure

Questions to consider

  • Can you find government directly?
  • Who represents the state?

Another view

Calling government unreal may undermine accountability for its actions.

More from Voltairine de Cleyre

  1. Note the difference between a right and a privilege. A right, in the abstract, is a fact; it is not a thing to be given, established, or conferred; it is. Of t…

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  2. An agent is usually held accountable to his principals. If you do not know the individuals who voted for you, then you do not know for whom you are acting, nor…

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. First, then, God, being all-just, wishes to do justice; being all-wise, knows what justice is; being all-powerful, can do justice. Why then injustice? Either y…

    Permalink to quote #4

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