--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have to have a good look at the…" description: "\"We have to have a good look at the Constitution. Let's determine where the shortcomings are. Then we can start talking of clauses.\" — Cyril Ramaphosa" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a93/cyril-ramaphosa-6717_constitution_we-have-to-have-a-good-look-at-the-const_1191570.jpg" --- # We have to have a good look at the Constitution. Let's… ![“We have to have a good look at the Constitution. Let's determine where the shortcomings are. Then we can start talking of clauses.” quote by Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a93/cyril-ramaphosa-6717_constitution_we-have-to-have-a-good-look-at-the-const_1191570.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a93/cyril-ramaphosa-6717_constitution_we-have-to-have-a-good-look-at-the-const_1191570.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a93/cyril-ramaphosa-6717_constitution_we-have-to-have-a-good-look-at-the-const_1191570.jpg) > “We have to have a good look at the Constitution. Let's determine where the shortcomings are. Then we can start talking of clauses.” [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. We must critically examine the Constitution to identify flaws before amending it. **In simple terms:** Review the Constitution first. Key Takeaway Identify and fix weaknesses. Themes law governance reform critical analysis Mood analytical concerned Type political educational When to use this quote - legislative sessions - public forums - academic research - civil society debates Key Concepts Constitutional law policy evaluation Questions to Reflect On - Which clauses need change? - How ensure inclusive reform? A Different Perspective Political bias can skew perceived shortcomings. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Constitution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) [Shortcomings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shortcomings/) ## Related quotes > [I would not look to the U.S. Constitution if I were drafting a constitution in 2012.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-bader-ginsburg/i-would-not-look-to-the-u-s-constitution-if-i-were-drafting-a/) [Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-bader-ginsburg/) > [I would consider myself American in the way of what the actual idea that's in the Constitution is, not the way that it's performed:…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rowan-blanchard/i-would-consider-myself-american-in-the-way-of-what-the-actual-idea/) [Rowan Blanchard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rowan-blanchard/) > [I think anybody that is concerned with national security, and if you look at our Constitution - the Constitution states very clearly that the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-yoho/i-think-anybody-that-is-concerned-with-national-security-and-if-you/) [Ted Yoho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-yoho/) > [When we live up to our Constitution, let's form a Conga line around the Capitol and bungee jump off the dome.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-poundstone/when-we-live-up-to-our-constitution-let-s-form-a-conga-line-around/) [Paula Poundstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-poundstone/) > [Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/our-peculiar-security-is-in-the-possession-of-a-written-constitution/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [On every question of construction (of the Constitution) let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/on-every-question-of-construction-of-the-constitution-let-us-carry/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Give the church a place in the Constitution, let her touch once more the sword of power, and the priceless fruit of all ages…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-green-ingersoll/give-the-church-a-place-in-the-constitution-let-her-touch-once-more/) [Robert Green Ingersoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-green-ingersoll/) > [“But in writing your constitution let me invite attention the wonderful virtues of the negative! Accentuate the negative! Let your document be studded with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/but-in-writing-your-constitution-let-me-invite-attention-the/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Study the Constitution. Let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislatures, and enforced in courts of justice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/study-the-constitution-let-it-be-preached-from-the-pulpit-proclaimed/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [“The flip side of this reality is that our big brains, advanced as they are, come with an array of complex shortcomings and are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-disalvo/the-flip-side-of-this-reality-is-that-our-big-brains-advanced-as-they/) [David DiSalvo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-disalvo/) > [I do think it is harder to acknowledge our strengths, or to forgive ourselves and each other for our shortcomings, when there has not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-cleave/i-do-think-it-is-harder-to-acknowledge-our-strengths-or-to-forgive/) [Chris Cleave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-cleave/) > [God loves us despite our shortcomings and sins, and his love gives meaning to our lives and to the life of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-benedict-xvi/god-loves-us-despite-our-shortcomings-and-sins-and-his-love-gives/) [Pope Benedict XVI](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-benedict-xvi/) > [The second commandment that Jesus referred to was not to love others instead of ourselves, but to love them as ourselves. Before we can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-warner/the-second-commandment-that-jesus-referred-to-was-not-to-love-others/) Jim Warner > [I like men. They are hugely entertaining, but they have a lot of shortcomings and you just have to bear those in mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-brand/i-like-men-they-are-hugely-entertaining-but-they-have-a-lot-of/) [Jo Brand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-brand/) > [I think there are many faces to everyone. I also have my bad sides. Also I think everyone is trying to improve their shortcomings…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zhou-xun/i-think-there-are-many-faces-to-everyone-i-also-have-my-bad-sides/) [Zhou Xun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zhou-xun/) ## More by Cyril Ramaphosa > [South Africa has not turned its back on human rights at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/south-africa-has-not-turned-its-back-on-human-rights-at-all/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We want young people to come forward with bright ideas; we want the women and men in our country to have jobs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-want-young-people-to-come-forward-with-bright-ideas-we-want-the/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We must investigate without fear or favour the so-called 'accounting irregularities' that cause turmoil in the markets and wipe billions off the investments of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-must-investigate-without-fear-or-favour-the-so-called-accounting/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We need to mobilise our structures and our supporters to oppose state capture and corruption in whatever form it takes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-need-to-mobilise-our-structures-and-our-supporters-to-oppose-state/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [When I was appointed deputy president, I accepted it, and it is the president's prerogative to appoint or remove anyone to the Executive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/when-i-was-appointed-deputy-president-i-accepted-it-and-it-is-the/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We should put behind us the era of diminishing trust in public institutions and weakened confidence in our country's public leaders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-should-put-behind-us-the-era-of-diminishing-trust-in-public/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [Some say the Constitution has robbed us of a proper land redistribution process. Others would want to look at other clauses. Well, it's South…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/some-say-the-constitution-has-robbed-us-of-a-proper-land/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We are determined to rebuild the confidence of our people in public institutions and restore the credibility of those elected to serve them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-are-determined-to-rebuild-the-confidence-of-our-people-in-public/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [It is not the function of the leader of government business to discipline members of the executive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/it-is-not-the-function-of-the-leader-of-government-business-to/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We have realized that corruption is rife, and we are going to address it. We are going to root out corruption, and that is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-have-realized-that-corruption-is-rife-and-we-are-going-to-address/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We are building a country where a person's prospects are determined by their own initiative and hard work and not by the color of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-are-building-a-country-where-a-person-s-prospects-are-determined/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We cannot effect meaningful change if we become complacent, if we become comfortable with our own positions in the status quo.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-cannot-effect-meaningful-change-if-we-become-complacent-if-we/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We must not have an economy that discourages and chases away investors from investing in South Africa.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-must-not-have-an-economy-that-discourages-and-chases-away/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [I have not committed any crimes. I have not stolen any money. I have not looted state resources.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/i-have-not-committed-any-crimes-i-have-not-stolen-any-money-i-have/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) > [We must stop the division among us. We must stop factionalism. We must embrace unity; we must embrace working together, because if we are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyril-ramaphosa/we-must-stop-the-division-among-us-we-must-stop-factionalism-we-must/) [Cyril Ramaphosa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) [Explore all 98 Cyril Ramaphosa quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyril-ramaphosa/) ## More Constitution quotes > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) > [In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/in-this-choice-of-inheritance-we-have-given-to-our-frame-of-polity/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) > [As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-doing-good-that-is-one-of-the-professions-which-is-full/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [While not widely reported, our victories in Iraq are plentiful. National elections, a democratic parliament and the drafting of a constitution are just some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-gillmor/while-not-widely-reported-our-victories-in-iraq-are-plentiful/) [Paul Gillmor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-gillmor/) > [In a recent decision of the Supreme Court, not made, however, by the full court, and concurred in by only four justices, it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bates-clark/in-a-recent-decision-of-the-supreme-court-not-made-however-by-the/) [John Bates Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bates-clark/) > [The judiciary must not take on the coloration of whatever may be popular at the moment. We are guardian of rights, and we have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-bird/the-judiciary-must-not-take-on-the-coloration-of-whatever-may-be/) [Rose Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-bird/) > [There is not a revolution that succe Women are suffering because they are being excluded. The high military council excluded women from the committee…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nawal-el-saadawi/there-is-not-a-revolution-that-succe-women-are-suffering-because-they/) [Nawal El Saadawi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nawal-el-saadawi/) > [Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/free-government-is-founded-in-jealousy-and-not-in-confidence-it-is/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The American Constitution declares 'All men are born equal.' The British Socialist Party add: 'All men must be kept equal'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/the-american-constitution-declares-all-men-are-born-equal-the-british/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [“The Court has a special responsibility to ensure that the Constitution works in practice. While education, including the transmission of our civic values from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-breyer/the-court-has-a-special-responsibility-to-ensure-that-the/) [Stephen Breyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-breyer/) > [The Constitution is very clear on the - on the declaration of war or reacting to international crimes - crimes against nations. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-pitts/the-constitution-is-very-clear-on-the-on-the-declaration-of-war-or/) Joe Pitts > [Nothing from man's hands, nor law, nor constitution, can be final. 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