"Dullness in matters of government is a good sign, and not a bad one - in particular, dullness in parliamentary government is a test of its excellence, an indication of its success"

This quote by Walter Bagehot suggests that a lack of excitement in matters of federal government is a sign of its success. He is suggesting that when federal government is running smoothly and efficiently, it is not making headlines or causing debate. This is an indication that the government is doing its task appropriately and is not making any major errors. Bagehot is particularly describing parliamentary federal government, which is a system of federal government in which the executive branch is held responsible to the legislature. He is suggesting that when this system is working well, it is not making news and is rather quietly and efficiently running the nation. This quote is a tip that an absence of drama in federal government is an advantage, and that it suggests a successful government.