If all power is in the people, if there is no higher law than their will, and if by counting their votes, their will may be ascertained -- then the people may entrust all their power to anyone, and the power of the pretender and the usurper is then legitimate. It is not to be challenged since it came originally from the sovereign people.

Summary

This quote highlights the potential dangers of absolute democratic power. It suggests that if all power is vested in the people and there is no higher authority to dictate their decisions, then any individual or group to whom the people have granted their power can be considered legitimate rulers. This could include pretenders or usurpers who exploit the trust placed in them. The quote implies that without checks and balances, a system solely based on popular will could inadvertently legitimize oppressive or even illegitimate leaders.

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