Ambrose Bierce Quote - Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the government from running amuck by hamstringing it.

Opposition Quotes

Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the government from running amuck by hamstringing it.

"Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the government from running amuck by hamstringing it."

— Ambrose Bierce

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Author: Ambrose Bierce
Category: Opposition
Tags: Opposition Politics Power Skeptical

Meaning of this quote

Political opposition is depicted as restraining government by making it less capable.

Key takeaway: Distinguish useful oversight from obstruction for its own sake.

Origin of the quote

The Devil’s Dictionary.

Who actually said this?

Verified

Matched in Bierce’s satirical dictionary; dictionary labels and punctuation may be omitted in the supplied title. These are satirical definitions, not neutral factual definitions.

Attributed author: Ambrose Bierce

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