Constitution Quote by Thomas Paine
“A constitution defines and limits the powers of the government it creates. It therefore follows, as a natural and also a logical result, that the governmental exercise of any power not authorized by the constitution is an assumed power, and therefore illegal.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: "Rights of Man" (1791)
A constitution both grants and restricts governmental power; any power beyond it is illegitimate.
In simple terms: Constitution limits power.
Key Takeaway
Respect constitutional limits.
Themes
law
governance
rights
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- political debates
- legal reforms
- citizen activism
Key Concepts
social contract
rule of law
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies address unconstitutional actions?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective
Constitutions can be ambiguous, leading to power struggles.
![“[...] genuine power doesn't have to enforce it by example. Assumed power, on the other hand, requires folks' belief–it depends upon the victim's industry. Without that, it ... just sits in a room, referring to itself as authority.” quote by Steve Aylett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29a/steve-aylett-9631_power_genuine-power-doesn-t-have-to-enforce-it_1483040.jpg)
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![“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)
