Constitution Quote by Thom Hartmann
““The Constitution doesn’t give us rights: it restrains government from infringing on rights we acquire at birth by virtue of being human beings, “natural rights” that are held by “natural persons.” The Constitution holds back (restraining government) rather than gives forward (granting rights to people).””
About This Quote
The Constitution limits government power to protect inherent human rights, rather than granting rights directly.
In simple terms: Rights are natural; the Constitution restrains government.
Key Takeaway
Guard against governmental overreach.
Themes
law
rights
government
constitution
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- civic education
- legal advocacy
- public debate
- human rights work
Key Concepts
natural rights theory
legal restraint
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How should citizens enforce these restraints?
- What mechanisms ensure government accountability?
A Different Perspective
Rights can be eroded without vigilance.
![“We were born with natural rights. We don't need civil rights. [African-Americans] don't need civil rights. They don't need them. They have inalienable rights granted by God in the Constitution. I mean, I'm discriminated against all the time. I don't care. It doesn't bother me. [I'm discriminated…” quote by Chuck Woolery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/877/chuck-woolery-16119_african-american_we-were-born-with-natural-rights-we-don_48287.jpg)
![“[If you understood the natural rights of mankind,] [y]ou would be convinced that natural liberty is a gift of the beneficent Creator to the whole human race, and that civil liberty is founded in that, and cannot be wrested from any people without the most manifest violation of justice.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/841/alexander-hamilton-619_civil-liberties_if-you-understood-the-natural-rights-of_545533.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
