There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that President James K. Polk was surprised to find that many members of Congress were more concerned with their own interests than doing the right thing for the country. He realized this after becoming President, which gave him a closer look at how Congress operates. This shows that even people in positions of power can sometimes put their personal goals before serving the public.
About James K. Polk
James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He is known for expanding the country’s territory through the Mexican-American War, annexing Texas, Oregon, and the Mexican Cession. Despite being relatively obscure today, Polk is praised for his ability to achieve his presidential agenda, though he has also been criticized for exacerbating sectional divides.
More quotes from James K. Polk
With me it is exceptionally true that the Presidency is no bed of roses.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
Under the benignant providence of Almighty God the representatives of the States and of the people are again brought together to deliberate for the public good.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
I am heartily rejoiced that my term is so near its close. I will soon cease to be a servant and will become a sovereign.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
Although… the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party and stand pledged to its principles and measures, yet in his official action he should not be the President of a party only, but of the whole people of the United States.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country’s peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
It becomes us in humility to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849
Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government.
president of the United States from 1845 to 1849