Broads Quote by Howard Zinn
“The Constitution. . . illustrates the complexity of the American system: that it serves the interests of a wealthy elite, but also does enough for small property owners, for middle-income mechanics and farmers, to build a broad base of support. The slightly prosperous people who make up this base of support are buffers against the blacks, the Indians, the very poor whites. They enable the elite to keep control with a minimum of coercion, a maximum of law--all made palatable by the fanfare of patriotism and unity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A People's History of the United States, 1980
Zinn explains that the US Constitution balances elite interests with broader support, using patriotism to mask underlying power dynamics.
In simple terms: The Constitution balances elite control with broad support via patriotism.
Key Takeaway
Question whose interests the system truly serves.
Themes
politics
power
class
patriotism
constitution
Mood
critical
inquisitive
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- civic education
- policy analysis
- social justice advocacy
Key Concepts
history
political science
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do different classes perceive patriotism?
- What reforms could reduce elite dominance?
A Different Perspective
The view may oversimplify complex motivations of diverse groups.
