Circumstances Quote by Alexander Hamilton
![“[T]he Constitution ought to be the standard of construction for the laws, and that wherever there is an evident opposition, the laws ought to give place to the Constitution. But this doctrine is not deducible from any circumstance peculiar to the plan of convention, but from the general theory of…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a00/alexander-hamilton-619_circumstances_t-he-constitution-ought-to-be-the-standa_636805.jpg)
“[T]he Constitution ought to be the standard of construction for the laws, and that wherever there is an evident opposition, the laws ought to give place to the Constitution. But this doctrine is not deducible from any circumstance peculiar to the plan of convention, but from the general theory of a limited Constitution.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 78, 1788
The Constitution should guide legal interpretation; when conflict arises, the Constitution prevails over statutes.
In simple terms: Constitution overrides conflicting laws.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize constitutional limits.
Themes
law
constitution
interpretation
limits
authority
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legislative drafting
- policy analysis
- governmental checks
Key Concepts
legal theory
constitutionalism
judicial review
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance constitutional rigidity with societal change?
- When should courts intervene?
A Different Perspective
Constitutional supremacy may clash with democratic flexibility.
![“I shall make it my chief business to see that the [royal] executive power has its place in the constitution.” quote by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/53a/honore-gabriel-riqueti-comte-d_business_i-shall-make-it-my-chief-business-to-see_1212371.jpg)
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
