Ancestor Quote by Joseph Sobran
“Some people don't mind a little constitutional sophistry in a good cause; and for liberals, centralizing all power in the federal government is always a good cause. Since most Americans don't know or care what the Constitution says, let alone what their ancestors thought it meant, the great liberal snow job has been very successful.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Commentary, date unknown
The quote argues that liberals exploit public ignorance of the Constitution to concentrate federal power, presenting it as beneficial.
In simple terms: Liberals use constitutional ignorance to gain power.
Key Takeaway
Question public awareness to protect constitutional limits.
Themes
politics
power
public ignorance
liberalism
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- civic education
- policy debate
- voter outreach
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Constitutional interpretation
centralization
political strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does constitutional knowledge affect civic engagement?
- What safeguards can prevent power concentration?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all liberals share this motive, ignoring nuance.
![“...[T]he Constitution conferred only a few specific powers on the federal government, all others being denied to it (as the Tenth Amendment would make plain). Unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of the U.S. population today - subtle logicians like you - can grasp such nuances. Too bad. The…” quote by Joseph Sobran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e81/joseph-sobran-6902_amendments_t-he-constitution-conferred-only-a-few-s_384248.jpg)
![“...[T]oday's Washington is about as attentive to the Tenth Amendment as the Unitarian Church is to the Book of Revelation.” quote by Joseph Sobran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b72/joseph-sobran-6902_amendments_t-oday-s-washington-is-about-as-attentiv_404524.jpg)
