Constitution Quote by James Wilson
““Oft have I marked, with silent pleasure and admiration, the force and prevalence, through the United States, of the principle that the supreme power resides in the people, and that they never part with it. It may be called the panacea in politics.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Address, United States, early 1800s
The quote asserts that true political power belongs to the people, a principle that should never be relinquished.
In simple terms: Power belongs to the people and should never be given away.
Defend popular sovereignty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- elections
- public protests
- policy debates
- citizen activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens protect their power?
- What are modern threats to popular sovereignty?
Power can be eroded by apathy or authoritarianism.