Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this…
““Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this point, it cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on the government, not on private individuals -- that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government -- that it is not a charter _for_ government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection _against_ the government.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Constitution limits government actions, not private individuals, protecting citizens from governmental overreach.
In simple terms: Constitution restrains government, not people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize governmental limits.
Themes
law
government
citizenship
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- Legal debates
- policy making
- civic education
- activism
Key Concepts
Constitutional law
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do citizens have under this charter?
- How should governments be held accountable?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary across jurisdictions.