Able Quote by Ronald Reagan
“When the Commander-in-Chief of a nation finds it necessary to order employees of the government or agencies of the government to do things that would technically break the law, he has to be able to declare it legal for them to do that.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Nation on Executive Power, 1981
Explains the need for a commander‑in‑chief to legally authorize otherwise illegal actions for national interests.
In simple terms: Leaders may need to legalize otherwise illegal acts.
Key Takeaway
Balance authority with legal limits.
Themes
government
law
ethics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy decisions
- constitutional law
Key Concepts
executive power
national security
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to bypass law?
- How to ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Legal overrides risk abuse.
