The excerpt reflects a critical view of governmental power when public opinion is passive. It suggests that leaders might feel empowered to violate constitutional principles and exercise arbitrary authority to silence dissent or opposition. Such actions could occur with little consequence if the populace remains indifferent.

If this perspective had been widely disseminated at the time, it could have provided substantial grounds for calling for the impeachment of a president who deviated from his constitutional responsibilities. This situation indicates a serious breach of trust, where a leader conspires against justice while failing to uphold the very oath intended to protect the Constitution.