Be cautious Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“Wise politicians will be cautious about fettering the government with restrictions that cannot be observed, because they know that every break of the fundamental laws, though dictated by necessity, impairs that sacred reverence which ought to be maintained in the breast of rulers towards the constitution of a country.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1793
Governments should avoid unobservable restrictions, as breaking fundamental laws harms reverence for the constitution.
In simple terms: Unobservable rules erode constitutional respect.
Key Takeaway
Enforce clear, observable laws.
Themes
governance
law
constitution
integrity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial review
- public policy
- civic education
Key Concepts
political theory
legal philosophy
ethical leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure laws remain observable?
- How can leaders maintain reverence for constitutional law?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate practical enforcement challenges.
![“[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)
