Constitution Quote by Howard Zinn
““We see then, in the first years of the Constitution, that some of its provisions—even those paraded most flamboyantly (like the First Amendment)—might be treated lightly. Others (like the power to tax) would be powerfully enforced.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A People's History of the United States, 1980
Early constitutional provisions were treated lightly, while taxing power was enforced strongly.
In simple terms: Some laws ignored, others strictly applied.
Key Takeaway
Recognize unequal enforcement of laws.
Themes
law
history
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- civic education
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
constitutional interpretation
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are some rights overlooked?
- How does fiscal power affect democracy?
A Different Perspective
May simplify complex historical debates.
![“In this country [the USA], you have got to tolerate things you do not like in order to preserve the First Amendment, in order to preserve democracy, and if people start bullying people into fearing that if I say something I could offend people, that is exactly why we have a constitution.” quote by Harvey Levin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/harvey-levin-62730_amendments_in-this-country-the-usa-you-have-got-to_2347504.jpg)
![“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)
