If it be asked, What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be, An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws - the first growing out of the last... A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The security of a republic depends on a deep respect for the Constitution and laws, as the law is the foundation of constitutional respect.
- In plain terms
- A free government survives when people deeply respect the Constitution and laws.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect for law is essential for a free government.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What holds your government together?
- How is law respected in your community?
Another view
Respect for law alone may not prevent tyranny if laws themselves are unjust.
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