The executive power is better to be trusted when it has no screen. Sir, we have a responsibility in the person of our President; he cannot act improperly, and hide either his negligence or inattention; he cannot roll upon any other person the weight of his criminality; no appointment can take place without his nomination; and he is responsible for every nomination he makes... far from being above the laws, he is amenable to them in his private character as a citizen, and in his public character by impeachment.
James Wilson Connected to the Carolinas
Source
Arguing for a single executive at the Philadelphia Convention (1787).
- year
- 1787
Cite this record
“The executive power is better to be trusted when it has no s…” James Wilson. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-76B1C37A42. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/76b1c37a42
More from James Wilson
By a State I mean, a complete body of free persons united together for their common benefit, to enjoy peaceably what is their own, and to do justice to others.
Let a state be considered as subordinate to the people: But let everything else be subordinate to the state.
Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is divine. Far from being rivals or enemies religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistance. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other.