A constitution, while primarily for the distribution of governmental powers, is, in its last analysis, a formal expression of adherence to that which in modern times has been called the higher law, and which in ancient times was called natural law.
Beck defines a constitution as a formal commitment to higher laws, linking it to natural law.
Share
More from James Beck
If it ceases to be of the spirit of the people, then the yellow parchment whereon it is inscribed can avail nothing.
Without that vision to restrain each succeeding generation of Americans from the tempting excesses of political power, the American Commonwealth, with its great heterogeneous democracy, would probably perish.
Its protection should be given to those of superior skill and diligence, who ask the due rewards of such superiority.
The greatest and noblest purpose of the Constitution was not alone to hold in nicest equipose the relative powers of the nation and the States, but also to maintain in the scales of justice a true equilibrium between the rights of…
Other voices in this conversation
