The Founder’s quote for today is a real gem, by, not surprisingly, Alexander Hamilton. I’ll cut to the quick.
“No legislative act contrary to the Constitution can be valid. To deny this would be to affirm that the deputy (agent) is greater than his principal; that the servant is above the master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people; that men, acting by virtue of powers may do not only what their powers do not authorize, but what they forbid. It is not to be supposed that the Constitution could intend to enable the representatives of the people to substitute their will to that of their constituents.
A Constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by judges as fundamental law. If there should happen to be a irreconcilable variance between the two, the Constitution is to be preferred to the statute.”
– Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804), from the Federalist Papers, #78
In a day when politicians are reading everything from restricting our right to free speech but deeming car insurance a right to all, I think Hamilton’s words are very appropriate.
If you’d like to see more of Favorite Founder’s Quote Friday, see Meet the Founders blog.
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August 29th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Wow. I haven’t read The Federalist Papers in about 30 years. Shame on me! How could I not remember such a true, wonderful statement? Maybe we could send this to everybody in Washington … and Albany? What a great quote, Mrs. M.
Thanks.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hello, Mrs. Mecomber. Glad you could participate in FFQF today! I see we picked out the same Founder, today.
It’s a terrific quote. I wish that would be plastered on the walls of all the buildings in Washington, D.C. I wish those who work there were forced to wear it on their backs. But I am not sure that such action would force them to heed, sadly … but it really serves to remind us of the form of government we have, and that our leaders need to be held accountable to that original standard.
Thanks again.
September 1st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
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