Owing its ratification to the law of a State, it has been…
““Owing its ratification to the law of a State, it has been contended that the same authority might repeal the law by which it was ratified. However gross a heresy it may be to maintain that a party to a compact has a right to revoke that compact, the doctrine itself has had respectable advocates. The possibility of a question of this nature, proves the necessity of laying the foundations of our National Government deeper than in the mere sanction of delegated authority. The fabric of American Empire ought to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the People. The streams of National power ought to flow immediately from that pure original fountain of all legitimate authority.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that national authority must derive directly from the people's consent, not merely from delegated state powers, emphasizing foundational legitimacy.
In simple terms: Government should be based on people's consent, not just state law.
Key Takeaway
Build government on popular sovereignty.
Themes
politics
law
government
legitimacy
sovereignty
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- constitutional drafting
- citizen engagement
- policy making
- legal education
Key Concepts
social contract
originalism
federalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can popular consent be measured effectively?
- What limits should exist on state authority?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook practical governance needs for centralized authority.