If there are men in this country big enough to own the government of the United States, they are going to own it.

The quote by Woodrow Wilson, "If there are men in this country big enough to own the government of the United States, they are going to own it," highlights the growing concern over the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals or corporations. Wilson was speaking to the influence that wealthy elites and monied interests could exert on political systems, particularly in the early 20th century, when large corporations and industrialists had substantial control over government decisions.

Wilson's comment can be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of corporate control over politics. He believed that if individuals or groups were powerful enough to shape government policy and laws, they would likely do so in their own interests, sidelining the welfare of the general population. This reflects Wilson’s concerns about the impact of industrial capitalism and the growing influence of monopolies during his time.

The quote is often seen as a reflection of the period of Progressivism in the United States, when there was significant public debate over the influence of big business in politics. Wilson, as a reformer, was pushing for measures to counteract the dominance of large corporations over the government and advocate for a system that would be more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.

In essence, this statement underscores a timeless concern about the balance of power in democratic systems. It suggests that without proper checks and balances, those with the resources to influence policy may end up controlling the government, thereby undermining the principles of democracy and equal representation.