Political Quotes

Abraham Lincoln: “I speak of that assumed primary right of a State to rule all which is less than itself, and ruin all which is larger…”

On the recordFebruary 12, 1861
I speak of that assumed primary right of a State to rule all which is less than itself, and ruin all which is larger than itself.
Said by
Abraham Lincoln
Republican · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Speaking to the Indiana legislature, Lincoln defines and critiques the extreme interpretation of states' rights that he believes threatens the integrity of the nation.

Share

More from Abraham Lincoln

Apr 11, 1865

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation