Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: A constitution is a thing antecedent to a government, and a government is only the creature of a constitution.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
A constitution is a thing antecedent to a government, and a government is only the creature of a constitution.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

From "Rights of Man," Paine defines the fundamental relationship between a constitution and the government it creates.

Share

More from Thomas Paine

Jan 1, 1791

The peer and the beggar are often of the same family.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1791

The thing, in many points, contained better principles than those upon which the Government had hitherto been administered; but with respect to the Cour Pleniere, it was no other than a medium through which despotism was to pass, without…

gutenberg.org