when tyranny becomes law resistance becomes duty

#When tyranny becomes law resistance becomes duty free#

There are indeed great and urgent cases where the bounds of the constitution are manifestly transgressed, or its constitutional authorities so exercised as to produce unequivocal oppression on the community, and to render resistance justifiable. Those, therefore, who preach doctrines, or set examples, which undermine or subvert the authority of the laws, lead us from freedom to slavery they incapacitate us for a Government of Laws, and consequently prepare the way for one of Force, for mankind Must have Government of One Sort or Another. If the first be destroyed, the last must be substituted and where this becomes the ordinary instrument of government there is an end to liberty. The instruments by which it must act are either the Authority of the Laws or Force. It is the Power by which individuals in society are kept from doing injury to each other and are bro’t to co-operate to a common end.

But how can a government of laws exist where the laws are disrespected and disobeyed? Government supposes controul. Government is frequently and aptly classed under two descriptions, a government of Force and a government of Laws the first is the definition of despotism-the last, of liberty.

#When tyranny becomes law resistance becomes duty free#

Were it not that it might require too lengthy a discussion, it would not be difficult to demonstrate, that a large and well organized Republic can scarcely lose its liberty from any other cause than that of anarchy, to which a contempt of the laws is the high road.īut, without entering into so wide a field, it is sufficient to present to your view a more simple and a more obvious truth, which is this-that a sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government. It is by this, in a still greater degree, that caballers, intriguers, and demagogues are prevented from climbing on the shoulders of faction to the tempting seats of usurpation and tyranny. It is by this, in a great degree, that the rich and powerful are to be restrained from enterprises against the common liberty-operated upon by the influence of a general sentiment, by their interest in the principle, and by the obstacles which the habit it produces erects against innovation and encroachment. Once ratified they became part of our Constitution, the highest law of the land.If it were to be asked, What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of security in a Republic? the answer would be, An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws-the first growing out of the last. Our American Bill of Rights was inspired by Thomas Jefferson, drafted by James Madison, and ratified by the States in 1791. In the end the popular support for a bill of such rights won the day. The Anti-Federalists were concerned about too strong a central government, and demanded constitutional guarantees of certain rights that could not be taken away by the Federal government. The Federalists were against a bill of rights, asserting that it was unnecessary. Several years of debate took place before such a bill was adopted. In 1887 Thomas Jefferson wrote that “ bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse.” However, the lack of a list of basic rights was objected to by many Americans. The Constitution was approved in its original form without a Bill of Rights. Constitution states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. – George Washington – Size 3×5 feet Double sided Flag It reads: A free people, ought not only Be armed and disciplined, But They should have sufficient arms And ammunition to maintain A status of independence from any who might Attempt to abuse them, Which would include their own government. When Tyranny Becomes Law, Rebellion Becomes Duty Flag 2nd Amendment Bear Arms Quote Flag Show your Support with this Beautiful 2nd Amendment Flag!īeautiful Betsy Ross Patriotic Flag with III% design has a vintage look to it.