Constitution Quote by Anonymous
““Our patriotic forefathers believed we could not be trusted to conduct this government as their interests required that it should be conducted, so they drafted a constitution under which government by the people became a practical impossibility. They talked glibly about a " republic " and handed the people the sop of representation in the house of rep- resentatives, because they realized that unless they made a pretense of creating a republic the new Constitution would be rejected. Doubtless these statements will come as something of a shock to those persons who know nothing in particular about the Constitution except that they have always been told that it is almost a sacred document. Little lawyers, puffed with pride that the Constitution underlies so much of their learning, are also likely to remain unconvinced that t}ie organic law of the United States is not the last word in republican government. But men of information and intelligence will not be surprised. To such as these, all that has been set down here is but an old story.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unspecified political commentary, 20th century
The quote argues that the U.S. Constitution was designed to limit direct popular rule, presenting a façade of a republic while concentrating power elsewhere.
In simple terms: The Constitution limits true popular control.
Recognize structural limits on democracy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting reforms
- civic education
- constitutional amendment
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect trust in institutions?
- Can reforms make representation more genuine?
The claim may overgeneralize founders’ intentions and ignore democratic evolution.