Constitution Quote by James K. Polk
“The whole frame of the Federal Constitution proves that the government which it creates was intended to be one of limited and specified powers.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Constitutional Interpretation, 1850s
The Constitution is designed to limit government power to specific, enumerated functions.
In simple terms: Government powers are intentionally limited.
Key Takeaway
Respect and uphold constitutional limits.
Themes
government
law
constitution
limits
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial review
- civic education
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
federalism
separation of powers
constitutional originalism
Questions to Reflect On
- What powers should be excluded?
- How to ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary on what powers are "specified".
![“The powers of the federal government ... result from the compact to which the states are parties, [and are] limited by the plain sense and intention of the instrument constituting that compact.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aeb/james-madison-373_compact_the-powers-of-the-federal-government-res_2945802.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)
