Constrain Quote by Barack Obama
![“[J]ust because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right...” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/684/barack-obama-17_constrain_j-ust-because-you-have-an-individual-rig_2404399.jpg)
“[J]ust because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right...”
About This Quote
Having an individual right does not automatically prevent government from regulating its use.
In simple terms: Rights can be limited by government.
Key Takeaway
Understand limits of personal freedoms.
Themes
rights
government
regulation
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
constitutional
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislation
- court rulings
- public services
Key Concepts
constitutional law
civil liberties
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- When should the state intervene?
- What safeguards protect against overreach?
A Different Perspective
Balancing rights with collective needs is complex.
![“The vicious cycle that is bringing down European states is not going to hit us [the USA], at least not for a while, at the level of the federal government. The same cannot be said of state and local governments.” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4d/michael-lewis-705_cycles_the-vicious-cycle-that-is-bringing-down_1302704.jpg)
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
