I think the general idea that, in a democracy, the people keep the government in check derives from this sort of thing. People with power can start behaving dif

I think the general idea that, in a democracy, the people keep the government in check derives from this sort of thing. People with power can start behaving differently/oddly. At a personal level, I usually try to keep these people in check. But, that's something of a post-hoc justification, as they really just rub me the wrong way and I call them out, question them, or do something disobedient somewhat reflexively, and only sometimes catch myself in time to control my reaction.