Charles Sumner: “Not “we, the States,” but “we, the people of the United States.” Such…”

On the record

Not “we, the States,” but “we, the people of the United States.” Such is the beginning and origin of our Constitution.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner emphasizes the foundational principle of the U.S. Constitution as being rooted in the people rather than the states.

More from Charles Sumner

Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.

Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.

Women’s National League, petition of, for universal emancipation, X. 300.

Slavery and the: speech in New York, XI. 433.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “Not “we, the States,” but “we, the people of the United States.” Such is the beginning and origin of our Constitution.”