"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure"

This quote by Abraham Lincoln is a warning versus giving too much power to the head of state. He is cautioning against allowing the head of state to have the authority to invade a nearby nation whenever he regards it needed. This would provide the president the power to make war at his very own discernment, without any oversight or accountability. Lincoln is stressing the value of checks as well as balances in government, and also the demand to ensure that the president does not have way too much power. He is alerting against allowing the head of state to have the capacity to make battle at his own pleasure, as this can result in disastrous effects. Lincoln's words are still pertinent today, as we need to make certain that our leaders are held accountable for their actions and that they do not have excessive power.