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Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“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, not those who opposed it, and who opposed it merely lest the construction should be applied which they denounced as possible.”

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

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Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, a distinguished politician, philosopher, architect, and scientist. He was born on April 13, 1743, and died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson advocated for democracy and freedom in politics and was one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence. His political ideas had a profound impact on the founding and development of the United States. more

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DoeMadeReasonLightHappensCasesPeriodsConstitutionIntentionContemporaryUncertaintyDiminishCautionMisunderstoodDoubtedLapsesNotorietyBeing Misunderstood
Book:1816-1828
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“It may not be improper, however, to remark two consequences, evidently flowing from an extension of the federal power to every subject falling within the idea of the "general welfare." One consequence must be, to enlarge the sphere of discretion allotted to the executive magistrate... The other consequence would be, that of an excessive augmentation of the offices, honors, and emoluments, depending on the executive will.”

MayTwoIdeasWould BeFallSubjectsHonorOfficeConsequenceWelfareExecutivesSpheresExtensionsRemarksDiscretionMagistratesGeneral Welfare
Author:James Madison
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“THE Constitution proposed by the convention may be considered under two general points of view. The FIRST relates to the sum or quantity of power which it vests in the government, including the restraints imposed on the States. The SECOND, to the particular structure of the government, and the distribution of this power among its branches.”

FirstsMayTwoStatesGovernmentViewsParticularConstitutionStructureIncludingPoint Of ViewRelateBranchesConventionsQuantityRestraintDistributionVests
Book:The Federalist on the New Constitution
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“there ought always to be a constitutional method of giving efficacy to constitutional provisions. What for instance would avail restrictions on the authority of the state legislatures, without some constitutional mode of enforcing the observance of them? . . . This power must either be a direct negative on the state laws, or an authority in the federal courts, to over-rule such as might be in manifest contravention of the articles of union.”

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Book:The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States
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“If our free society is to endure, those who govern must recognize human dignity and accept the enforcement of constitutional limitations on their power conceived by the Framers . . . . Such recognition will not come from a technical understanding of the organs of government, or the new forms of wealth they administer. It requires something different, something deeper-a personal confrontation with the wellsprings of our society.”

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Author:William J. Brennan
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