Authority Quote by Andrew Johnson
“Outside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Inaugural Address, 1865
The Constitution limits governmental power, granting only limited authority to officials, ensuring checks and balances.
In simple terms: The Constitution restricts government power.
Key Takeaway
Respect constitutional limits.
Themes
law
government
authority
Mood
formal
cautious
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial review
- policy making
Key Concepts
constitutional law
separation of powers
Questions to Reflect On
- How can flexibility be balanced with constitutional fidelity?
- What mechanisms protect against overreach?
A Different Perspective
Rigid limits can hinder swift action in emergencies.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)