19th century Quote by Margaret Thatcher
“In the same period that the Americans have lived under one constitution our French friends notched up five. A Punch cartoon has a 19th century Englishman asking a librarian for a copy of the French constitution, only to be told: 'I am sorry Sir, we do not stock periodicals.'”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, date unknown
The quote humorously highlights the French habit of frequent constitutional changes compared to the stable American constitution.
In simple terms: French change constitutions often; US stays same.
Key Takeaway
Recognize differences in political stability.
Themes
politics
history
comparisons
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
historical
satirical
When to use this quote
- academic lectures
- debates
- media commentary
Key Concepts
constitutional law
national identity
political culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How does constitutional change affect governance?
- What are the benefits of stability?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote may exaggerate for effect.
![“[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/324/margaret-thatcher-463_alternatives_when-asked-how-it-felt-to-be-a-female-pr_15081.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
