Political Quotes

On the record
It certainly is not contained in any express grant of power, and it does not appear to be embraced in the general grant of incidental powers contained in the last clause of the Constitution relative to the powers of Congress.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner emphasizes that the Constitution does not explicitly grant Congress the power to legislate on the matter at hand.

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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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Still further: every ship-of-war that floats costs more than a well-endowed college.

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