Constitution Quote by Howard Zinn
““During elections for the 1776 convention to frame a constitution for Pennsylvania, a Privates Committee urged voters to oppose “great and overgrown rich men . . . they will be too apt to be framing distinctions in society.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A People's History of the United States, 1980
Wealthy elites often shape political outcomes to protect their interests, marginalizing ordinary citizens.
In simple terms: Rich men dominate politics.
Key Takeaway
Beware elite influence.
Themes
politics
inequality
power dynamics
Mood
critical
urgent
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- grassroots activism
Key Concepts
class struggle
democratic erosion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens counter elite dominance?
- What reforms ensure broader representation?
A Different Perspective
Not all wealthy people act alike.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
