This is one of the last great battles with slavery. Driven from the legislative chambers, driven from the field of war, this monstrous power has found a refuge in the executive mansion, where, in utter disregard of the Constitution and laws, it seeks to exercise its ancient, far-reaching sway. All this is very plain. Nobody can question it. Andrew Johnson is the impersonation of the tyrannical slave power. In him it lives again.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker identifies the executive power as a refuge for slavery and criticizes the administration for disregarding laws.
- In plain terms
- Slavery has moved to the executive office and ignores the law.
- What can you take from it?
- Power should not ignore the law.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where does power reside?
- How is law ignored?
Another view
Accusations of tyranny can be politically charged.
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