Meaning: This quote by Barber Conable, Jr. reflects a perspective on the functioning of the U.S. Congress and its alignment with the intentions of the Founding Fathers. Conable, a former congressman and president of the World Bank, provides a critical assessment of the deliberate and often slow-moving nature of the legislative process. His assertion that Congress is functioning as the Founding Fathers intended, albeit "not very well," highlights a nuanced understanding of the balance between efficiency and accountability within a democratic system.

The reference to the Founding Fathers alludes to the framers of the U.S. Constitution, who designed a system of government with a series of checks and balances intended to prevent hasty or impulsive decision-making. The Founding Fathers, such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson, were deeply concerned with the potential for tyranny of the majority and sought to create a government that would be responsive to the will of the people while also protecting the rights of minorities and ensuring the stability of the nation.

Conable's statement suggests that the intentional inefficiency of Congress serves a specific purpose in maintaining the responsiveness of the government to the broader will of the people. By requiring careful deliberation, negotiation, and compromise, the legislative process is designed to prevent the rapid enactment of laws that may not reflect the broader consensus of the population. This deliberate pace of decision-making is seen as a safeguard against the potential for rash or ill-considered actions that could undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.

The notion that "if you move too quickly, our democracy will be less responsible to the majority" underscores the belief that a measured and deliberate legislative process is essential for ensuring that the decisions made by elected representatives accurately reflect the will of the people they serve. This perspective aligns with the principles of representative democracy, wherein elected officials are entrusted with the responsibility of carefully considering the diverse perspectives and interests of their constituents before enacting laws and policies.

It is important to consider the context in which Conable made this statement. As a former congressman and a prominent figure in international development, Conable likely had firsthand experience with the inner workings of the legislative process and the complexities of governance. His observation may reflect a pragmatic understanding of the challenges inherent in democratic governance, particularly within the context of a diverse and pluralistic society.

In conclusion, Conable's quote provides a thought-provoking perspective on the deliberate inefficiency of Congress and its alignment with the intentions of the Founding Fathers. It underscores the delicate balance between responsiveness and deliberation within a democratic system, highlighting the enduring relevance of the principles upon which the U.S. government was founded. This quote encourages thoughtful consideration of the role of deliberate decision-making in preserving the integrity and accountability of democratic governance.