Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quoteShare via Email Print this Page Daily Quotes Archives2000-12-01 Dec 1, 2000We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable, that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.~ Thomas JeffersonMay [the Declaration of Independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all), the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man.~ Thomas JeffersonThat at any rate is the theory of our Constitution. It is an experiment, as all life is an experiment.~ Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Nov 30, 2000That the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.~ Sir William BlackstoneFor most Americans the Constitution had become a hazy document, cited like the Bible on ceremonial occasions but forgotten in the daily transactions of life.~ Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.The layman's constitutional view is that what he likes is constitutional and that which he doesn't like is unconstitutional.~ Justice Hugo L. Black Nov 29, 2000In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed, and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.~ James MadisonOutside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.~ Andrew Johnson Nov 28, 2000We the People of the united States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.~ Constitution for the USA Nov 27, 2000The very purpose of a Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials and to establish them as legal principles to be applied by the courts. One's right to life, liberty, and property, to free speech, a free press, freedom of worship and assembly, and other fundamental rights may not be submitted to vote; they depend on the outcome of no elections.~ Justice Robert H. JacksonCan any of you seriously say the Bill of Rights could get through Congress today? It wouldn't even get out of committee.~ F. Lee BaileyOur Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.~ Benjamin Franklin Previous week's quotes Next week's quotes Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print