--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A constitution is, in fact, and must be…" description: "\"A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning, as well as the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/alexander-hamilton-619_constitution_a-constitution-is-in-fact-and-must-be-re_1470744.jpg" --- # A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by… ![“A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning, as well as the meaning of any particular act proceeding from the Legislative body. If there should happen to be an irreconcilable variance between the two, that…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/alexander-hamilton-619_constitution_a-constitution-is-in-fact-and-must-be-re_1470744.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/alexander-hamilton-619_constitution_a-constitution-is-in-fact-and-must-be-re_1470744.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/alexander-hamilton-619_constitution_a-constitution-is-in-fact-and-must-be-re_1470744.jpg) > “A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning, as well as the meaning of any particular act proceeding from the Legislative body. If there should happen to be an irreconcilable variance between the two, that which has superior obligation and validity ought, of course, to be preferred; or, in other words, the constitution ought to be preferred to the statute.” [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Judges must interpret the constitution as the supreme law, outweighing any conflicting statutes. **In simple terms:** Constitution outranks statutes. Key Takeaway Prioritize constitutional meaning over legislation. Themes law judiciary constitutional hierarchy Mood serious analytical Type legal philosophical When to use this quote - court decisions - legislative drafting - policy analysis Key Concepts legal interpretation judicial review supremacy clause Questions to Reflect On - How should courts balance constitutional fidelity with evolving societal values? - When is legislative intent more compelling than constitutional text? A Different Perspective Constitutional supremacy may clash with democratic legislative intent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Constitution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) ## Related quotes > [The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts. 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Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-h-greene/) > [The sovereignty of the States is the language of the Confederacy and not the language of the Constitution. 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If this principle be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-principle-of-the-constitution-is-that-of-a-separation-of/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## More by Alexander Hamilton > [“I am apprehensive, Sir, that in the warmth of my feelings, I may have uttered expressions, which were too vehement. If such has been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/i-am-apprehensive-sir-that-in-the-warmth-of-my-feelings-i-may-have/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [“The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/the-truth-unquestionably-is-that-the-only-path-to-a-subversion-of-the/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [ \[W\]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. 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