Authority Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“If the end be clearly comprehended within any of the specified powers, and if the measure have an obvious relation to that end, and is not forbidden by any particular provision of the Constitution, it may safely be deemed to come within the compass of the national authority.”
About This Quote
Source Federalist Paper No. 23, 1788
The government may act within its constitutional limits when the goal and method are clear and lawful.
In simple terms: Government can act if clear and lawful.
Key Takeaway
Ensure actions fit constitutional authority.
Themes
government
law
authority
constitution
policy
Mood
analytical
formal
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- executive decision making
- judicial review
- policy implementation
Key Concepts
constitutional law
federalism
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance clear goals with constitutional constraints?
- When might a well‑intended action be prohibited?
A Different Perspective
Complex legal interpretations may limit practical application.
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