Constitution Quote by John Eidsmoe
““The framers were realists; they recognized that the best constitution in the world could be distorted and destroyed by men determined to do so.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Constitution and the American Political Tradition, John Eidsmoe, 1996
Realists understand that even the best systems can be subverted by determined individuals.
In simple terms: Even great constitutions can be broken by bad people.
Key Takeaway
Guard against abuse of power.
Themes
politics
law
realism
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
analytical
warning
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- judicial review
- citizen vigilance
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
constitutional theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions stay resilient?
- What safeguards are most effective?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt regardless of system design.
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![“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)
