Political Quotes

On the record
There it stands in the very front of our Great Charter, embodied in two simple, self-evident truths,--first, that all men are equal in rights, and, secondly, that all just government is founded only on the consent of the governed,--the two together making an axiomatic definition which proves itself.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

He articulates two fundamental truths about equality and consent that define just government.

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Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.

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It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.

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Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.

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Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…

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