Edmund Burke: “What can be done against the magnanimous resolution of the great to accomplish the degradation and the ruin of their own…”

The engagement and pact of society, which generally goes by the name of the Constitution, forbids such invasion and such surrender.

They have little regard to the obvious consequences of their doctrine, though they may see that it leaves positive authority in very few of the positive institutions of this country.

If kings who did not owe their crown to the choice of their people had no title to make laws, what will become of the statute De tallagio non concedendo? of the Petition of Right? of the act of Habeas Corpus?

Their objects would be enlarged with their elevation; but their disposition, and habits, and mode of accomplishing their designs must remain the same.