The only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that the government can only have the right to rule if the people give them that power. The people, not the government, should decide who gets to lead them. The government's authority comes from the people, not the other way around.
About William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison was the 9th President of the United States, serving the shortest term in history at just 31 days. He was the last president born as a British subject and the grandfather of another president, Benjamin Harrison. Harrison had a distinguished military career, leading forces in the War of 1812 and negotiating numerous treaties with Native American tribes.
More quotes from William Henry Harrison
I believe that all the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
president of the United States in 1841
I believe and I say it is true Democratic feeling, that all the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
president of the United States in 1841
The only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed.
president of the United States in 1841
There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.
president of the United States in 1841
To Englishmen, life is a topic, not an activity.
president of the United States in 1841
The chains of military despotism, once fastened upon a nation, ages might pass away before they could be shaken off.
president of the United States in 1841
All the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
president of the United States in 1841
Sir, I wish to understand the true principles of the Government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more.
president of the United States in 1841
I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free.
president of the United States in 1841