The propriety of a law, in a constitutional light, must always be determined by the nature of the powers upon which it is founded.
Interpretation
Laws should be evaluated based on the authority that creates them.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes that the legitimacy and appropriateness of any law must be assessed in relation to the foundational powers that establish it. This reflects the importance of constitutional principles and the rule of law in ensuring that laws are just and aligned with the guiding framework of governance.
In practice
In a legal seminar discussing the importance of constitutional authority.
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.
Any man who has once proclaimed violence as his method is inevitably forced to take the lie as his principle.
The more honest and authentic we are, the more deeply we go into the mystery of our own being.
Where annual elections end where slavery begins.
Why should I want what's good for me?' Beatrice asked him, smiling. 'Is that what you want for yourself - only what's good for you?
Life is not about finding our limitations, it's about finding our infinity.
I tell you, hopeless grief is passionless; That only men incredulous of despair, half-taught in anguish, through the midnight air beat upward to god's throne in loud access of shrieking and reproach
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