The people’s government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the people.1
ATTRIBUTION:
Second Speech on Foot’s Resolution, Jan. 26, 1830. P. 321.
Note 1. When the State of Pennsylvania held its convention to consider the Constitution of the United States, Judge Wilson said of the introductory clause, “We, the people, do ordain and establish,” etc.: “It is not an unmeaning flourish. The expressions declare in a practical manner the principle of this Constitution. It is ordained and established by the people themselves.” This as regarded as an authoritative exposition.—The Nation.
That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.—Abraham Lincoln: Speech at Gettysburg, Nov. 19, 1863. [back]
