Constitution Quote by John Marshall
““The people made the Constitution, and the people can unmake it. It is the creature of their will, and lives only by their will.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the American People, 1832
The Constitution is a creation of the people and can be changed by them; its power depends on popular will.
In simple terms: People create and can change the Constitution.
Key Takeaway
Remember that civic engagement shapes law.
Themes
democracy
law
citizen power
government
political theory
Mood
reflective
empowering
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- voting
- public protest
- constitutional amendment
- civic education
Key Concepts
social contract
popular sovereignty
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens responsibly exercise this power?
- What safeguards prevent rash changes?
A Different Perspective
Changing the Constitution is difficult and requires broad consensus.
![“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)
