Colonies Quote by Christopher Gadsden
“The House of Commons, refused to receive the addresses of the colonies, when the matter was pending; besides, we hold our rights neither from them nor from the Lords.”
About This Quote
Source Document: Resolutions of the Continental Congress, 1774
Colonists assert that their rights derive from natural law, not from British authority, rejecting imposed governance.
In simple terms: Rights come from inherent principles, not external powers.
Key Takeaway
Demand self‑determination.
Themes
political theory
colonialism
rights
Mood
critical
defiant
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- colonial protests
- modern independence movements
- community governance
Key Concepts
social contract
sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you base your rights on inherent principles or legal frameworks?
- How do you respond when authorities deny your claimed rights?
A Different Perspective
Assumes universal acceptance of natural rights; may ignore practical dependencies.
![“On this question of principle, while actual suffering was yet afar off, they [the Colonies] raised their flag against a power to which, for purposes of foreign conquest and subjugation, Rome in the height of her glory is not to be compared,-a power which has dotted over the surface of the whole…” quote by Daniel Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/269/daniel-webster-2347_afar_on-this-question-of-principle-while-actu_807177.jpg)
