Constitution Quote by Ayn Rand
““Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this point, it cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on the government, not on private individuals -- that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government -- that it is not a charter _for_ government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection _against_ the government.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on constitutional law, 20th century
The Constitution limits government actions, not private individuals, protecting citizens from governmental overreach.
In simple terms: Constitution restrains government, not people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize governmental limits.
Themes
law
government
citizenship
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- Legal debates
- policy making
- civic education
- activism
Key Concepts
Constitutional law
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do citizens have under this charter?
- How should governments be held accountable?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary across jurisdictions.
![“The [U.S.] Constitution is a limitation on the government, not on private individuals ... it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government ... it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection against the government.” quote by Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/953/ayn-rand-59_charter_the-u-s-constitution-is-a-limitation-on_335234.jpg)
![“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)
