Let a state be considered as subordinate to the people: But let everything else be subordinate to the state.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The people hold supreme authority over the state, while the state controls all other institutions.
- In plain terms
- The people are above the government, and the government is above everything else.
- What can you take from it?
- Remember that sovereignty originates with the citizens.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who defines the people?
- How do we protect this hierarchy?
Another view
This hierarchy assumes a functioning democracy which may not exist everywhere.
More from James Wilson
Man, fearfully and wonderfully made, is the workmanship of his all perfect Creator: A State; useful and valuable as the contrivance is, is the inferior contriv…
Permalink to quote #2 By a State I mean, a complete body of free persons united together for their common benefit, to enjoy peaceably what is their own, and to do justice to others.
Permalink to quote #4 To the Constitution of the United States the term SOVEREIGN, is totally unknown.
Permalink to quote #1
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