On the record
If the authority we desire to use does not come to us through the Constitution, we can exercise it only by usurpation, and usurpation is the most dangerous of political crimes.
Source
gutenberg.orgAndrew Johnson: “If the authority we desire to use does not come to us through the Constitution, we can exercise it only by usurpation…”
Editor's note · Context
Johnson argues that exercising authority not granted by the Constitution is a dangerous act of usurpation.
Share
More from Andrew Johnson
Jul 17, 1868
Strongly impressed with the truth of these views, I feel called upon by an imperative sense of duty to revive substantially the recommendation so often and so earnestly made by President Jackson.
Jul 17, 1868
In compliance with and execution of the act of Congress before mentioned, do issue this my proclamation, announcing the fact of the ratification of the said amendment by the legislature of the State of Louisiana.
Jul 19, 1868
No power exists in the Constitution authorizing the joint resolution or the supposed law--the only difference being that one would be more palpably unconstitutional and revolutionary than the other.
Jul 17, 1868
My object in this communication is to suggest certain defects in the Constitution which seem to me to require correction.
Other voices in this conversation
