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Editorial
May 31, 1791
The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser
Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Berkeley County, Jefferson County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
The editorial argues that constitutions, created by the people to protect liberty, can and should be altered or destroyed if they become useless, emphasizing popular sovereignty as the sole fixed principle.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
A Constitution framed by the PEOPLE, is always the palladium of their liberty, and if at any period it becomes useless, or worse than useless, to the PEOPLE, the PEOPLE have a right to modify it—to annihilate it, if they please : why then talk of certain fixed principles in a Constitution ?—there is but one fixed principle. A Constitution should always be the work of the PEOPLE, and framed for the advantage of the governed ; every other principle is Subordinate and may be changed or modified when and as often as a majority of the PEOPLE think fit.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
What keywords are associated?
Constitution
People's Rights
Liberty
Modification
Popular Sovereignty
What entities or persons were involved?
People
Governed
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
People's Right To Modify The Constitution
Stance / Tone
Advocacy For Popular Sovereignty In Constitutional Matters
Key Figures
People
Governed
Key Arguments
A Constitution Framed By The People Protects Their Liberty
If A Constitution Becomes Useless To The People, They Have The Right To Modify Or Annihilate It
The Only Fixed Principle Is That A Constitution Should Be The Work Of The People For The Advantage Of The Governed
All Other Principles Are Subordinate And May Be Changed By A Majority Of The People