what does this quote mean "The constant aim [of government] is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other that the private interest of every individual may be sentinel over the public rights."

Question

keeli_grace · Answer

It is a statement that seems to be promoting what we normally call "checks and balances" or "separation of powers" in how the United State government is formed according to the Constitution. Specifically, it refers to how the different branches ("offices") of government are arranged so that they can protect the rights of the public and of private individuals from too much power in the hands of any one entity. 

I would be curious as to the origin of your quote. Who you are quoting, the date of the quote, and the place or circumstance under which it was created would be essential to a full understanding of its meaning. For example, if George Washington said it at the start of the Constitutional Convention in 1780-something, it would make perfect sense since the United States government was without form at that time, and it was up to him and the other conventioners to create it. 

Here's another example of why "who, when, and where" is important with regard to your quote: Suppose it was Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister of Iraq. If it was Al-Maliki, it would be a foolish statement since his government's aim at the moment should be to provide basic security (keeping people from the threat of mass murder in broad daylight in the streets of the capital) and not the loftier goals that George Washington had in 1787.

keeli_grace · Answer

I hope that helps :-)