James Buchanan Jr. was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 15th president of the United States from 1857 to 1861. Before becoming President, he served as Secretary of State (1845–1849) and represented Pennsylvania in both houses of the U.S. Congress. His efforts to find a compromise in the conflict between the North and the South failed to avert the Civil War. He is constantly criticised for not addressing the issue of slavery and often ranked among the worst Presidents in US history.
James Buchanan Jr. was born on April 23, 1791. His father had immigrated to the United States in 1783. Buchanan was educated at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1809 and later studied law in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Buchanan was the first native-born Pennsylvanian to serve as president and would remain the only native-born Pennsylvanian to be elected president until Joe Biden in 2020. Buchanan supported the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case, which said that negroes were not citizens and had no rights for which he is heavily criticized. He passed away on June 1, 1868.
1 The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men. -James Buchanan
In a democracy, it is by voting that most conflicts can be solved. Your right to vote gives you power and a voice; it is your responsibility to efficiently exercise that power.
2 There is nothing stable but Heaven and the Constitution. -James Buchanan
Nothing in this world is stable and consistent. People, societies, leaders – all change as time passes. But the one thing that has to remain stable is the constitution because its words lead millions of people and they should not be changed no matter the circumstances.
3 Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country. -James Buchanan
You should always do the best you can for your country. Regardless of what others say, you will know in your conscience that you did not do anything wrong by at least trying.
4 Our union rests upon public opinion, and can never be cemented by the blood of its citizens shed in civil war. -James Buchanan
In a democracy, any victory gained by shedding the bloods of the innocent is no victory at all. A democracy has to function with peace and public opinion. Any instance that goes against this goes against the principles of democracy.
5 The storm of frenzy and faction must inevitably dash itself in vain against the unshaken rock of the Constitution. -James Buchanan
The constitution is the guardian of our liberty and rights. It shields us from the radicals who try to divide us and take away our freedom. It keeps a country stable and safe from the pits of chaos.
6 The Government of the United States possesses no power whatever over the question of religion. -James Buchanan
The state has no right to involve itself with matters of religion. It is of utmost importance that the government distances itself from any religious matters to keep itself secular.
7 Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results and these will, ere long, astonish the world. -James Buchanan
Liberty is something that naturally grows into a democracy and stabilises itself. People need time to learn to live with their liberty and when they do, there will be peace and prosperity.
8 Abstract propositions should never be discussed by a legislative body. -James Buchanan
A legislature should always be practical and prudent. There’s no point in discussing abstract solutions to real problems. The burden they bear is of a great populace and they need to do justice to it.
9 If you are as happy in entering the White House as I shall feel on returning to Wheatland, you are a happy man indeed. -James Buchanan
As the president, you are shouldering the responsibility of an entire nation. However, it is important that you feel content serving your countrymen.
10 The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there. -James Buchanan
A true leader will recognise the greatness that already exists within his people. Their duty is not to inculcate greatness into the people but to enhance the greatness that already exists within them.
11 What is right and what is practicable are two different things. -James Buchanan
In an ideal world, we would have been able to practice that which seems to be morally right. But our modern society is far from an utopia and we tend to compromise on our morals often.
11 Best James Buchanan Quotes To Read!
1. The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men. -James Buchanan
2. There is nothing stable but Heaven and the Constitution. -James Buchanan
3. Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country. -James Buchanan
4. Our union rests upon public opinion, and can never be cemented by the blood of its citizens shed in civil war. -James Buchanan
5. The storm of frenzy and faction must inevitably dash itself in vain against the unshaken rock of the Constitution. -James Buchanan
6. The Government of the United States possesses no power whatever over the question of religion. -James Buchanan
7. Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results and these will, ere long, astonish the world. -James Buchanan
8. Abstract propositions should never be discussed by a legislative body. -James Buchanan
9. If you are as happy in entering the White House as I shall feel on returning to Wheatland, you are a happy man indeed. -James Buchanan
10. The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there. -James Buchanan
11. What is right and what is practicable are two different things. James Buchanan
