Constitution Quote by John Marshall
“The federal government is acknowledged by all to be one of enumerated powers. The principle, that it can exercise only the powers granted to it . . . is now universally admitted.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Federalist Papers, 1787
The government can only act within powers explicitly granted to it.
In simple terms: Govt powers are limited.
Key Takeaway
Respect constitutional limits.
Themes
law
government
constitution
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court rulings
- policy making
Key Concepts
federalism
separation of powers
Questions to Reflect On
- What powers should be delegated?
- How do we guard against overreach?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations can expand or contract those powers over time.
![“[In the case of] dangerous exercise of other powers, not granted by the said compact, the states, who are parties thereto, have the right, and are duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a51/james-madison-373_arresting_in-the-case-of-dangerous-exercise-of-oth_63920.jpg)
![“[T]he powers granted by the proposed Constitution are the gift of the people, and may be resumed by them when perverted to their oppression, and every power not granted thereby remains with the people.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ff/james-madison-373_constitution_t-he-powers-granted-by-the-proposed-cons_3012358.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)
