Cannot Quote by Zachary Taylor
“As to the Constitution and the Union, I have taken an oath to support the one, and I cannot do so without preserving the other, unless I commit perjury, which I certainly don't intend to do. We must cherish the Constitution to the last.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Inaugural Address, 1849
The oath to uphold both Constitution and Union is inseparable; neglecting one violates the other.
In simple terms: Upholding both is essential.
Key Takeaway
Protect both Constitution and Union equally.
Themes
constitution
union
oath
integrity
law
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- court rulings
- public policy discussions
Key Concepts
constitutional law
political duty
national unity
Questions to Reflect On
- What compromises might threaten this balance?
- How does modern law interpret this oath?
A Different Perspective
Balancing both can be politically complex.
![“I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I'm concerned that voting for this [anti-terrorism] legislation fundamentally violates that oath.” quote by Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/79c/bernie-sanders-233_anti-terrorism_i-took-an-oath-to-support-and-defend-the_3092283.jpg)
![“The Constitution on which our Union rests, shall be administered by me [as President] according to the safe and honest meaning contemplated by the plain understanding of the people of the United States at the time of its adoption - a meaning to be found in the explanations of those who advocated…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/759/thomas-jefferson-43_adoption_the-constitution-on-which-our-union-rest_929558.jpg)
