Constitutional Quote by Elena Kagan
“And what my constitutional values are are wholly irrelevant to the job, and so neither you nor anyone else will know what they are.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Confirmation Hearing, U.S. Supreme Court, 2010
The speaker claims personal constitutional beliefs are private and unrelated to job performance, implying they cannot be judged by others.
In simple terms: Personal beliefs are private and not job‑relevant.
Recognize the separation of personal values and professional duties.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court nomination
- public service
- political discourse
- media interviews
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Should personal values be disclosed for public trust?
- How does privacy affect perceived impartiality?
Assuming privacy may hinder accountability in public roles.