There is a homely saying among us monikins, which is quite to the point in this matter: 'Set a rogue to catch a rogue.' Now, the essence of a free government is to be found in the responsibility of its agents.

He who governs without responsibility is a master, while he who discharges the duties of a functionary under a practical responsibility is a servant.

This is the only true test of governments, let them be mystified as they may in other respects.

Responsibility to the mass of the nation is the criterion of freedom.

Now responsibility is the SUBSTITUTE for virtue in a politician, as discipline is the substitute for courage in a soldier.
An army of brave monikins without discipline, would be very apt to be worsted by an army of monikins of less natural spirit, with discipline.
So a corps of originally virtuous politicians, without responsibility, would be very apt to do more selfish, lawless, and profligate acts, than a corps of less virtue, who were kept rigidly under the rod of responsibility.