History Quotes / BritishPoliticalSystem

->The members of the English Parliament are fond of comparing themselves to the old Romans...In my opinion, the majesty of the people of England has nothing in common with that of the people of Rome, much less is there any affinity between their Governments. There is in London a senate, some of the members whereof are accused (doubtless very unjustly) of selling their voices on certain occasions, as was done in Rome; this is the only resemblance. Besides, the two nations appear to me quite opposite in character, with regard both to good and evil. The Romans never knew the dreadful folly of religious wars, an abomination reserved for devout preachers of patience and humility...But here follows a more essential difference between Rome and England, which gives the advantage entirely to the latter...that [[UsefulNotes/TheRomanEmpire the civil wars of Rome ended in slavery]], and [[UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses those]] [[UsefulNotes/EnglishCivilWar of]] [[UsefulNotes/HanoverStuartWars the English]] in liberty. The English are the only people upon earth who have been able to prescribe limits to the power of kings by resisting them; and who, by a series of struggles, have at last established that wise Government where [[Literature/ThePrince the Prince]] is all powerful to do good, [[PowerLimiter and, at the same time, is restrained]] from committing evil; where the nobles are great without insolence, though there are no vassals; and where the people share in the Government without confusion.

->''"Tony Blair, a man who addressed the House of Common, which is like [[UsefulNotes/AmericanPoliticalSystem Congress]], with [[TheAlcoholic a two drink minimum]], crazy place! 'I believe my worthy opponent...' 'Oh, fuck off! Shite! I'll bullet you, bastard. Fuck you!' 'Would someone remove [[UsefulNotes/MargaretThatcher Ms. Thatcher]] from the chamber?'"''