The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves.

In this quote, James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, critiques the ambition and self-interest of members of Congress who are primarily motivated by a desire to gain and hold political power. Polk argues that the passion for office among these lawmakers is not only excessive but also undermines the effectiveness and integrity of the government. He points out that members of Congress often create new government offices through their votes, only to later position themselves to fill these newly created roles, which leads to conflicts of interest and a lack of genuine public service.

Polk’s statement reflects his frustration with the political maneuvering and self-serving behavior that can occur in government. Rather than focusing on the public good, members of Congress are depicted as prioritizing their own political ambitions. By creating new positions of power and then filling them with themselves or their allies, these lawmakers contribute to government inefficiency and potentially encourage corruption or cronyism within the system.

This quote is rooted in Polk’s own experiences and frustrations with the political environment during his presidency. As a leader who worked to expand U.S. territory and focus on national goals, Polk was likely concerned that such self-interested behavior among lawmakers would detract from the ability of the government to function effectively and implement important reforms. His words reflect a broader concern about the political system prioritizing personal gain over the needs of the country.

Ultimately, Polk’s critique points to the dangers of unchecked ambition and political self-interest in a democratic system. It serves as a call for greater accountability, urging lawmakers to put the nation’s needs ahead of their personal goals, and to avoid creating unnecessary offices for personal gain at the expense of good governance.