“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln asserts that the people are the ultimate authority in a democratic system, not the elected officials or judges. The phrase “rightful masters” emphasizes that the government is a creation of the people’s will, and it is their responsibility to ensure that it operates in accordance with the Constitution. Lincoln clarifies that the goal is not to dismantle the Constitution but to remove or correct those in power who misuse or distort the Constitution’s principles to serve their own interests, particularly when those actions threaten the nation’s foundational values of justice and freedom.
The historical context of this quote lies in Lincoln’s struggle against slavery and the political system that upheld it, particularly in the context of the Dred Scott decision (1857), which denied African Americans citizenship and protected slavery in U.S. territories. This decision, along with the actions of certain politicians and judges, was seen by Lincoln as a perversion of the Constitution. Lincoln believed that while the Constitution was a document of liberty, it had been hijacked by those who sought to maintain slavery and perpetuate inequality. This quote reflects his determination to confront and remove those who sought to undermine the principles of the Constitution for their own gain.
In modern times, this quote speaks to the enduring principle of popular sovereignty, where the people are entrusted with the power to hold their government accountable. It serves as a reminder that those in power are not above the law or the Constitution and must be checked when they act in ways that subvert the public good. The notion that the people, through democratic means, can correct the course of governance when the Constitution is misused is central to maintaining a just and equitable society. This sentiment resonates in contemporary debates around judicial activism, political accountability, and the need for constitutional integrity.
