Two commenters wrote:
Human nature has been the constant through the ages. Jefferson understood this and he learned from it and warned us of it. A great man and a great thinker.
It is amazing how our founders predicted the growth in power of both the executive and judicial branches. Their confidence in the electorate being able to restrain these overreaches has proven to be misplaced unfortunately. I doubt they foresaw the rise of professional politicians since they seemed to view public service as a duty (and burden), not an occupation.
Toms Blog on Life and Livingness