Constitution Quote by Anonymous
““Almost anywhere and everywhere can be found only those who believe that the fundamental law of this land was wrought out by great souls wholly devoted to the cause of democracy. The only exceptions are those who know the facts. Men who have gone into the history of the Constitution and the histories of those who made it know better. They know that the Constitution was made to prevent the people from ruling themselves rather than to enable them to rule themselves. Also, they know that it is because the Constitution is doing much of what it was intended to do that the people are having great difficulty in ruling themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, 2020
The speaker argues that the Constitution was designed to limit popular rule, and that only knowledgeable elites truly understand its purpose.
In simple terms: The Constitution restricts direct democracy, favoring elite interpretation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tension between democratic ideals and constitutional limits.
Themes
politics
democracy
constitution
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- civic education
- activism
- public policy
Key Concepts
elitism
governance
citizen participation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we need more direct citizen involvement in governance?
- How can we ensure informed participation without elitism?
A Different Perspective
The view may overlook the Constitution’s democratic foundations and the role of popular sovereignty.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
