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The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not efficiently checked, it is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised.

— John C. Calhoun

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More quotes by John C. Calhoun

In looking back, I see nothing to regret, and little to correct.

It is harder to preserve than to obtain liberty.

The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a party.

All this combined contributed greatly to strengthen the bonds of the Union.

On the Subject of Slavery (1850)

Protection and patriotism are reciprocal.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John C. Calhoun (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.