Authority Quote by William Jennings Bryan
“The money problem facing the country from 1789 to 1896 existed because Congress never exercised is authority to "coin money or regulate the value thereof" - but rather delegated that authority, sometimes by charter and sometimes by default, to the banking system. This despite the provision in the Constitution that charged Congress with the power to 'coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standards of weight and Measures.'”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Record, 1896
The U.S. failed to use its constitutional power over money, instead letting banks control currency, leading to financial issues.
In simple terms: Congress gave money control to banks, causing problems.
Key Takeaway
Restore congressional monetary authority.
Themes
constitution
economics
government
banking
policy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- bank regulation
- public awareness
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
federal power
monetary sovereignty
delegation
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should hold ultimate monetary power?
- How does delegation affect economic stability?
A Different Perspective
Delegating authority can create systemic risk.
![“Many of the opposition [to the new Federal Constitution] wish to take from Congress the power of internal taxation. Calculation has convinced me that this would be very mischievous.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e89/thomas-jefferson-43_calculations_many-of-the-opposition-to-the-new-federa_936908.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
