1. 政治本身
It is unfortunate but true that political decisions and activities affect all aspects of peoples lives.
The goal of politics should not be the pursuit of an ideal, but rather the search for common ground and reasonable consensus.
Leaders are created primarily by the demands that are placed upon them.
2. 政府与人民：
Government officials should rely on their own judgment rather than unquestioningly carrying out the will of the people whom they serve.
a) Government officials have more insights and are capable to fully evaluate a specific problem in the long run. // the purchase of Alaska
b) Government officials have the responsibility to form the judgment according to their evaluation of the situation. It is just such responsibility which endow them power.
c) Public will could be instrumental in forming more precise and comprehensive judgment. Different people are representative of their own interest, public as a whole can have a comprehensive representation of the interest of different group
d) The fundamental of democracy require that the public view should be taken into consideration by the government officials.
Major policy decisions should always be left to politicians and other government experts, who are more informed and thus have better judgment and perspective than do members of the general public.
The most essential quality of an effective leader is the ability to re main consistently committed to particular principles and objectives. Any leader who is quickly and easily influenced by shifts in popular opinion will accomplish little.
Unlike great thinkers and great artists, the most effective political leaders must often yield to public opinion and abandon principle for the sake of compromise.
a) Public opinion is instrumental for the political leaders to make a better solution.
b) For the most effective leader, the public opinion should be evaluated instead of absorbed unconditionally.
c) Unconditionally abandoning principle for the sake compromise, will undermine the authority of the political leader, thus greatly render them ineffective when carry out governmental actions.
d) For the sake of maintaining authority and fulfill their responsibility, the political leader should not bend to the public opinion too often. Any public opinion should be thoroughly investigated before absorbed.