[E]very act of a delegated authority, contrary to the tenor of the commission under which it is exercised, is void. No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid. To deny this, would be to affirm, that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above his master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people themselves; that men acting by virtue of powers, may do not only what their powers do not authorize, but what they forbid.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that any authority must operate within the limits set by the Constitution and cannot exceed those limits.
Alexander Hamilton's quote speaks to the fundamental principle of governance that authority derives from a higher law, specifically the Constitution. It asserts that any action taken by those in power that contradicts the limitations of their authority is inherently invalid. This underscores the essential democratic principle that representatives and officials, while wielding power, must remain accountable to the will of the people and cannot overstep their designated roles.
In practice
During a debate on constitutional rights, you can use this quote to emphasize the importance of adhering to legal limitations.
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
To say that we are sorry for our sins is mere hypocrisy, unless we show that we are really sorry for them, by giving them up. Doing is the very life of repentance.
Apart from the mercy of God, there is no other source of hope for mankind.
All kinds of excuses have been given by governments for not implementing this recommendation like food price inflation. But the question is, do the farmers of this country, who constitute nearly half of the working population, also not need to eat?
America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense human rights invented America.
To combat death you don't need much of a life, just one that isn't yet finished.
It is a predisposition of human nature to consider an unpleasant idea untrue, and then it is easy to find arguments against it.
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