--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Constitution is not an instrument for…" description: "\"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png" --- # The Constitution is not an instrument for the government… ![“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.” quote by Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png) > “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.” [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The constitution should empower citizens to limit government power, preventing domination over lives and interests. **In simple terms:** People must keep government in check. Key Takeaway Guard your freedoms vigilantly. Themes freedom government citizen rights checks and balances Mood defiant serious Type political philosophical When to use this quote - voting - activism - community organizing - legal challenges - public policy Key Concepts social contract political theory civil liberty Questions to Reflect On - How do you hold authorities accountable? - What mechanisms protect your rights? A Different Perspective Power can become oppressive if not constantly monitored. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Constitution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) ## Related quotes > [“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-goodwin/the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-for-the-government-to-restrain/) [Mark Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-goodwin/) > [ \[Our Constitution\] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/our-constitution-is-an-instrument-for-the-people-to-restrain-the/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [“An Army is an instrument of government. It must be used in such a way that it furthers the interests of government. Otherwise what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-abercrombie/an-army-is-an-instrument-of-government-it-must-be-used-in-such-a-way/) [Joe Abercrombie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-abercrombie/) > [In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-washington/in-a-free-and-republican-government-you-cannot-restrain-the-voice-of-2/) [George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/) > [In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude. Every man will speak as he thinks, or, more properly,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-washington/in-a-free-and-republican-government-you-cannot-restrain-the-voice-of/) [George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/) > [The constitution is an instrument, above all, for LIMITING the functions of government.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-goldwater/the-constitution-is-an-instrument-above-all-for-limiting-the/) [Barry Goldwater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-goldwater/) > [ The instrument by which it \[government\] must act are either the AUTHORITY of the laws or FORCE. If the first be destroyed, the last… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/the-instrument-by-which-it-government-must-act-are-either-the/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [The object of a Constitution is to restrain the Government, as that of laws is to restrain individuals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-c-calhoun/the-object-of-a-constitution-is-to-restrain-the-government-as-that-of/) [John C. Calhoun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-c-calhoun/) > [Freedom is the default position. Everything the government does takes away some of our freedom... That's why we have a constitution, to restrain the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-napolitano/freedom-is-the-default-position-everything-the-government-does-takes/) [Andrew Napolitano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-napolitano/) > [“The Constitution of the United States was written in such a way as to restrain government growth and power if there was the will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-carson/the-constitution-of-the-united-states-was-written-in-such-a-way-as-to/) [Ben Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-carson/) > [The Constitution was not written to restrain the citizen's behavior, it was writtne to restrain the government's behavior.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/the-constitution-was-not-written-to-restrain-the-citizen-s-behavior/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) > [As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-doing-good-that-is-one-of-the-professions-which-is-full/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/in-this-choice-of-inheritance-we-have-given-to-our-frame-of-polity/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## More by Patrick Henry > [You ought to be extremely cautious, watchful, jealous of your liberty; for instead of securing your rights, you may lose them forever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/you-ought-to-be-extremely-cautious-watchful-jealous-of-your-liberty/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/guard-with-jealous-attention-the-public-liberty-suspect-everyone-who/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/i-have-now-disposed-of-all-my-property-to-my-family-there-is-one/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [My great objection to this government is, that it does not leave us the means of defending our rights, or of waging war against…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/my-great-objection-to-this-government-is-that-it-does-not-leave-us/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [“When the American Spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different; Liberty, sir, was then the primary object.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/when-the-american-spirit-was-in-its-youth-the-language-of-america-was/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [Shall we, who have laid the proud British lion at our feet, now be afraid of his whelps?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/shall-we-who-have-laid-the-proud-british-lion-at-our-feet-now-be/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/it-is-when-a-people-forget-god-that-tyrants-forge-their-chains/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [That religion, or the duty we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/that-religion-or-the-duty-we-owe-to-our-creator-and-the-manner-of/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [I shall act as I think my duty requires.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/i-shall-act-as-i-think-my-duty-requires/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [It is the business of a virtuous clergy to censure vice in every appearance of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/it-is-the-business-of-a-virtuous-clergy-to-censure-vice-in-every/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [Being a Christian... is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/being-a-christian-is-a-character-which-i-prize-far-above-all-this/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [Jealousy is the only vice that gives no pleasure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/jealousy-is-the-only-vice-that-gives-no-pleasure/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > […I am sure that the dangers of this system (the Federal Constitution) are real, when those who have no similar interest with the people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/i-am-sure-that-the-dangers-of-this-system-the-federal-constitution/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it! Almighty God! I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/is-life-so-dear-or-peace-so-sweet-as-to-be-purchased-at-the-price-of/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) > [That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/that-religion-or-the-duty-which-we-owe-to-our-creator-and-the-manner/) [Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) [Explore all 139 Patrick Henry quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/) ## More Constitution quotes > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) > [In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/in-this-choice-of-inheritance-we-have-given-to-our-frame-of-polity/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) > [As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-doing-good-that-is-one-of-the-professions-which-is-full/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [While not widely reported, our victories in Iraq are plentiful. National elections, a democratic parliament and the drafting of a constitution are just some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-gillmor/while-not-widely-reported-our-victories-in-iraq-are-plentiful/) [Paul Gillmor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-gillmor/) > [In a recent decision of the Supreme Court, not made, however, by the full court, and concurred in by only four justices, it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bates-clark/in-a-recent-decision-of-the-supreme-court-not-made-however-by-the/) [John Bates Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bates-clark/) > [The judiciary must not take on the coloration of whatever may be popular at the moment. We are guardian of rights, and we have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-bird/the-judiciary-must-not-take-on-the-coloration-of-whatever-may-be/) [Rose Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-bird/) > [There is not a revolution that succe Women are suffering because they are being excluded. The high military council excluded women from the committee…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nawal-el-saadawi/there-is-not-a-revolution-that-succe-women-are-suffering-because-they/) [Nawal El Saadawi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nawal-el-saadawi/) > [Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/free-government-is-founded-in-jealousy-and-not-in-confidence-it-is/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The American Constitution declares 'All men are born equal.' The British Socialist Party add: 'All men must be kept equal'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/the-american-constitution-declares-all-men-are-born-equal-the-british/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [“The Court has a special responsibility to ensure that the Constitution works in practice. While education, including the transmission of our civic values from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-breyer/the-court-has-a-special-responsibility-to-ensure-that-the/) [Stephen Breyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-breyer/) > [The Constitution is very clear on the - on the declaration of war or reacting to international crimes - crimes against nations. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-pitts/the-constitution-is-very-clear-on-the-on-the-declaration-of-war-or/) Joe Pitts > [Nothing from man's hands, nor law, nor constitution, can be final. Truth alone is final.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-sumner/nothing-from-man-s-hands-nor-law-nor-constitution-can-be-final-truth/) [Charles Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-sumner/) > [“I am apprehensive, Sir, that in the warmth of my feelings, I may have uttered expressions, which were too vehement. If such has been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/i-am-apprehensive-sir-that-in-the-warmth-of-my-feelings-i-may-have/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [Conservative political opinion in America cleaves to the tradition of the judge as passive interpreter, believing that his absolute loyalty to authoritative law is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/learned-hand/conservative-political-opinion-in-america-cleaves-to-the-tradition-of/) [Learned Hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/learned-hand/) [Browse all 4,507 Constitution quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Patrick Henry" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-for-the-government-to-restrain-2/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Constitution" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-for-the-government-to-restrain-2/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d12/patrick-henry-3071_constitution_the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-fo_2556406.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the…” — Patrick Henry", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Patrick Henry", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-henry/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The Constitution is not an instrument...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-for-the-government-to-restrain-2/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-henry/the-constitution-is-not-an-instrument-for-the-government-to-restrain-2/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```