"The Constitution, in all its provisions, looks to an indestructible Union, composed of indestructible States." - Marshall v. Baltimore (1856)
The quote emphasizes the fundamental principle that the U.S. Constitution is structured around a strong, unbreakable federal union composed of equally robust individual states. This suggests that the United States, as a nation, should remain indivisible, and each state within it must maintain its integrity. It was stated by Roger B. Taney in the context of a case involving Baltimore City's liability for damages caused by a ship built in another state, illustrating how the Constitution upholds the unity and self-sufficiency of both the nation as a whole and each constituent state individually.
"Our government is founded upon the indestructible truth that all men are created equal." - Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
This quote, from the Supreme Court case Dred Scott v. Sandford in 1857, underscores the principle of equality upon which the U.S. government was established. The idea is that every individual, regardless of their race or social status, holds inherent, fundamental value and deserves equal rights. However, this decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans, contradicted this principle and was eventually overturned through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Despite its problematic history, the quote serves as a reminder of the ideals that continue to shape American society and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all people.
"It is too clear for dispute, that the Constitution confers, as a matter of right, upon the Congress, the power, without the assent of the States, to legislate upon all subjects which may affect the general welfare." - Gilman v. Philadelphia (1862)
This quote by Roger B. Taney from the case Gilman v. Philadelphia (1862) asserts that, according to the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the inherent power to legislate on matters affecting the general welfare, without requiring approval from individual states. In simpler terms, Taney is stating that Congress possesses the authority to make laws for the benefit of the nation as a whole.
"The very idea of a government, to act at all, must be to act in some way upon its citizens." - The Prize Cases (1863)
This quote by Roger B. Taney emphasizes that the fundamental purpose of any government is to interact with its citizens in order to function effectively. It suggests that governance inherently involves making decisions or taking actions that impact individuals within society, whether it's through legislation, policy-making, or other forms of administration. Essentially, the quote reinforces the idea that government and citizenry share a mutually influential relationship, where the former exerts authority to maintain order and ensure the welfare of the latter.
"All free men, whatever their color or race, are entitled to be protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States." - Ex parte Milligan (1866)
This quote by Roger B. Taney, delivered in the 1866 case Ex parte Milligan, emphasizes that all free individuals – regardless of race or ethnicity – are entitled to the protection granted by the U.S. Constitution and its laws. It underscores the fundamental principle of equality under law for every American citizen, a cornerstone value that has guided the United States in safeguarding human rights and upholding justice since its founding.
It is an established principle of jurisprudence in all civilized nations that the sovereign cannot be sued in its own courts, or in any other, without its consent and permission; but it may, if it thinks proper, waive this privilege, and permit itself to be made a defendant in a suit by individuals, or by another State.
- Roger B. Taney
Every state has an undoubted right to determine the status, or domestic and social condition, of the persons domiciled within its territory except insofar as the powers of the states in this respect are restrained, or duties and obligations imposed upon them, by the Constitution of the United States.
- Roger B. Taney
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