James K. Polk: Frugal Government

Posted by admin on Saturday, November 2, 2019

James K. Polk Money Quote saying frugality with public monies is the responsibility of the President and should be enforced by Congress. James K. Polk said:
 

 

“Ours was intended to be a plain and frugal government, and I shall regard it to be my duty to recommend to Congress and, as far as the Executive is concerned, to enforce by all the means within my power the strictest economy in the expenditure of the public money which may be compatible with the public interests” — James K. Polk

 

 

In this quote, James K. Polk is outlining his view of how the federal government should approach fiscal policy and spending. He states that the American system was designed to have a “plain and frugal government”, not an extravagant one.

Polk then pledges that as President, it will be his duty to recommend tight budgets to Congress that practice “the strictest economy” and efficiency in how taxpayer money is used.

However, he qualifies that this austerity must be “compatible with the public interests” – so essential services are still delivered effectively.

Overall, Polk is expressing his belief that the government has an obligation to taxpayers to spend funds judiciously and avoid waste, while still meeting core responsibilities. The quote conveys his philosophy of fiscal conservatism and responsibility.