“This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.”
- 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
“This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.”
Explanation
In this statement, Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the sovereignty of the people and their right to determine the direction of their government. Lincoln is articulating the democratic principle that power ultimately resides with the citizens, who have the authority to amend the government through constitutional processes or, in extreme cases, overthrow it if it no longer serves their needs. The constitutional right to amend the government was a fundamental aspect of American democracy, allowing for peaceful reform and adaptation of the Constitution to meet the changing needs of the nation. However, Lincoln also acknowledges the more radical option of revolution, suggesting that, in times of crisis, people have the ultimate authority to reject a government that fails them.
This quote was made at a time of intense national division, particularly regarding the issue of slavery and the preservation of the Union. Lincoln’s presidency came at the moment when the nation was on the brink of civil war, with Southern states threatening to secede from the Union. Lincoln, while advocating for peaceful measures and constitutional amendments, was also deeply aware that the United States faced the potential for violent revolution if the union could not be preserved through legal and political means. He viewed the Civil War as a struggle for the survival of the Union and the principles it was founded upon. His statement reflects a deep commitment to the idea of self-governance, tempered by the understanding that civil strife could emerge if those in power no longer respected the people’s will.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the right of citizens to challenge their government and demand change when necessary. It touches on the ongoing tension between democratic processes and the potential for revolutionary action in the face of political oppression. In democratic societies, the peaceful ability to amend laws or systems is crucial, but Lincoln’s words also serve as a reminder of the dangers of tyranny, where people may feel that revolution is the only recourse left. In recent history, this sentiment has been echoed in various movements for civil rights, social justice, and political reform, where citizens have used both legal means and direct action to bring about change.
