Authority Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“There is no position which depends on clearer principles than that every act of a delegated authority, contrary to the commission under which it is exercised, is void. No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid.”
About This Quote
Source The Federalist Papers, No. 78, 1788
Delegated authority must align with its constitutional commission; any act beyond that scope is invalid, reinforcing checks and balances.
In simple terms: Authority must follow its legal limits.
Key Takeaway
Ensure actions match constitutional authority.
Themes
law
constitution
authority
checks and balances
Mood
analytical
formal
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial review
- policy implementation
- executive orders
Key Concepts
legal theory
separation of powers
governmental limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms safeguard against overreach?
- How can legislators clarify authority scopes?
A Different Perspective
Complexities arise when statutes are ambiguous.
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