Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Therefore it can give rights,--rights where no rights existed before; and it can take away rights where they were before…”

On the record
Therefore it can give rights,--rights where no rights existed before; and it can take away rights where they were before established.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke argues that legislative power can create or revoke rights.

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More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…

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Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

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Jan 1, 1790

But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

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Jan 1, 1790

Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.

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