Authority Quote by John Marshall

Constitutions should consist only of general provisions; the reason is that they must necessarily be permanent, and that they cannot calculate for the possible…

— Alexander Hamilton

We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is…

— Thomas Jefferson

The propriety of a law, in a constitutional light, must always be determined by the nature of the powers upon which it is founded.

— Alexander Hamilton

A constitution, in the American sense of the word, is a written instrument by which the fundamental powers of the government are established, limited,…

— Samuel Freeman Miller

There are limits to power, as those who put their hopes in a constitution always discover.

— Frank Herbert

The fundamental principle of our constitution ... enjoins the sense of command, duty that the will of the majority shall prevail.

— George Washington

All constitutions, those of the States no less than that of the nation, are designed, and must be interpreted and administered so as to…

— Theodore Roosevelt

The important distinction so well understood in America between a constitution established by the people, and unalterable by the government; and a law established…

— James Madison

To maintain the ascendancy of the Constitution over the lawmaking majority is the great and essential point on which the success of the [American]…

— John C. Calhoun

The constitution is the ultimate custodian of social will and its making should be accorded all due diligence.

— Mwai Kibaki

The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period,…

— George Washington

Government itself is founded upon the great doctrine of the consent of the governed, and has its cornerstone in the memorable principle that men…

— Leland Stanford