If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, justify revolution—certainly would if such a right were a vital one. But such is not our case. All the vital rights of minorities and of individuals are so plainly assured to them by affirmations and negations, guarantees and prohibitions, in the Constitution, that controversies never arise concerning them. But no organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every question which may occur in practical administration. No foresight can anticipate, nor any document of reasonable length contain, express provisions for all possible questions.


First Inaugural Address (1861)

Abraham Lincoln Quotes

If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, ...

If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, ...

If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, ...

If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, ...