On the record
I say that the whole history of our Government establishes the principle that the people are sovereign, and that a majority of them can alter or change their fundamental laws at pleasure.
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gutenberg.orgCharles Sumner: “I say that the whole history of our Government establishes the principle that the people are sovereign, and that a…”
Editor's note · Context
Sumner argues that the sovereignty of the people allows for changes to fundamental laws.
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More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
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