Skip to content
quotesby

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.

George Washington#55

PoliticsDutyCitizenshipLaw

WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)X (opens in a new tab)

About this quote

What does it mean?
People have the right to create and change their government, but once established, the constitution must be obeyed until officially changed. This duty to obey stems from the right to establish government.
In plain terms
You can change your government, but you must follow the rules while they are in place.
What can you take from it?
Citizens must obey current laws even if they want to change them later.

Where it applies

  • civil disobedience discussions
  • constitutional reform
  • civic education

Putting it to work

  • follow current laws
  • use legal channels for change
  • respect constitutional processes

Questions to consider

  • When is it right to disobey a law?
  • How do you balance obedience and reform?

Another view

Some situations may justify breaking unjust laws before they are officially changed.

More from George Washington

  1. To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate s…

    Permalink to quote #54

  2. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me n…

    Permalink to quote #56

  3. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shiel…

    Permalink to quote #53

Related quotes

  1. I will be a model prisoner, as I have been a model citizen.

    Edwin W. EdwardsEdwin W. Edwards quote #6

  2. The least considerable man among us has an interest equal to the proudest nobleman, in the laws and constitution of his country, and is equally called upon to …

    JuniusJunius quote #11

  3. This is, I say, the time for all good men not to go to the aid of their party, but to come to the aid of their country.

    Eugene McCarthyEugene McCarthy quote #22