Congress Quote by Chris Edelson
““The fact that presidents have done something does not necessarily make it right or constitutional.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Constitutional Ethics Forum, 2021
Presidential actions are not automatically lawful or moral; they must be examined.
In simple terms: Presidents can act wrongly despite their power.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate leaders' decisions.
Themes
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- voting decisions
- media analysis
- activism
Key Concepts
constitutional law
morality
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should guide your judgment of a president's action?
- When should citizens intervene?
A Different Perspective
Power can blind both leaders and citizens to constitutional limits.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
![“As the longest serving Independent in the history of the United States Congress, as somebody who came into office by defeating an incumbent Democratic mayor in Burlington, Vermont, I know something about third party politics. And I respect Jill [Stein].” quote by Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/94c/bernie-sanders-233_congress_as-the-longest-serving-independent-in-th_10777.jpg)
