Quote by Andrew Johnson
Outside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the significance and limits of the Constitution in governing the actions and power of individuals or institutions. It asserts that without the authority granted by the Constitution, individuals have no legal influence beyond that of regular private citizens. Furthermore, it highlights that even with the Constitution, individuals are bound by its provisions, implying that their actions are constrained within the boundaries outlined by the document. This principle serves as a reminder that the Constitution is a foundational framework that governs and restricts the functions and jurisdiction of all subjects.