Accounts Quote by Lysander Spooner
“There is not, in the Constitution, a syllable that implies that persons, born within the territorial limits of the United States, have allegiance imposed upon them on account of their birth in the country, or that they will be judged by any different rule, on the subject of treason, than persons of foreign birth.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Law of Property, 1865
The Constitution does not bind citizens by birthright allegiance, emphasizing voluntary social contract.
In simple terms: The Constitution doesn’t force loyalty by birth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize allegiance is a choice.
Themes
law
citizenship
voluntaryism
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- immigration policy
- national identity
- civic education
Key Concepts
political theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you view citizenship as a right or a duty?
- How should societies balance birthright and choice?
A Different Perspective
Legal texts can be interpreted to support exclusionary policies.
![“[America is] a rebellious nation. Our whole history is treason; our blood was attained before we were born; our creeds were infidelity to the mother church; our constitution treason to our fatherland.” quote by Theodore Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/133/theodore-parker-4457_betrayal_america-is-a-rebellious-nation-our-whole_1012068.jpg)
![“All from other lands, who by the terms of [congressional] laws and a compliance with their provisions become naturalized, are adopted citizens of the United States; all other persons born within the Republic, of parents owing allegiance to no other sovereignty, are natural born citizens. Gentleman…” quote by John Bingham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcb/john-bingham-19392_adopted_all-from-other-lands-who-by-the-terms-of_1269655.jpg)
