"The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves"

In this quote, James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, uses a vital observation of the political dynamics and challenges within the legal branch of the U.S. federal government. The quote acts as a commentary on the habits and inspirations of members of Congress throughout his time, which stays relevant even in contemporary politics.

Polk highlights the intense desire, or "enthusiasm", for holding office among Congress members, recommending that this eagerness can be so strong as to verge on being "disreputable". Using the word "unethical" implies that the pursuit of workplace is not always assisted by a commitment to civil service or the common great, but rather by self-interest and ambition. This ambition "considerably embarrasses the operations of the Government", indicating that such a personal quest for power can hinder effective governance. Polk is revealing issue that when chosen authorities prioritize their own career improvement over their legislative duties, it develops ineffectiveness and challenges in the functioning of the federal government.

The 2nd part of the quote underscores a systemic issue where Congress members "develop workplaces by their own votes and then look for to fill them themselves". This suggests a cycle of self-serving habits where legislators might be driven to establish new positions or bureaucracies, not always out of necessity for better governance, however to offer opportunities on their own or their allies. This procedure can result in a growth of government that is not lined up with real needs, but rather with political maneuvering.

Overall, Polk's declaration is a critique of political practices where personal aspiration eclipses public task. It shows a concern that the stability of governance is jeopardized when those in power are more focused on securing positions for themselves than on serving their constituents. This quote works as a tip of the significance of accountability and ethical requirements in government to ensure that public workplace is pursued for altruistic rather than personal gains.