In simple terms, John C. Calhoun's statement emphasizes that only highly advanced societies with strong moral and intellectual qualities can establish and sustain free governments. He suggests that these sophisticated communities are rare because they need to have a certain level of societal development to create effective governance structures.
Looking deeper into the quote, Calhoun is highlighting the critical role of societal advancement in the success of democratic institutions. Free government systems require citizens who understand and value the principles of freedom, justice, and responsibility. Moreover, the statement implies that such moral and intellectual excellence does not naturally occur but must be cultivated over time through education, culture, and social practices. This means that while free governments are idealized as the pinnacle of societal progress, their establishment depends heavily on the existing virtues and values of a society. The rarity Calhoun mentions underscores the challenges in achieving these conditions, making successful free governance an exceptional occurrence.
John C. Calhoun was a prominent American political theorist and statesman who lived from 1782 to 1850. He served as a U.S. Representative, Secretary of War, Vice President, and Senator. Known for his staunch defense of slavery and states' rights, Calhoun often grappled with the complexities of governance in a rapidly changing nation, making his observations on moral and intellectual excellence particularly insightful within the context of 19th-century American politics.
