M'Culloch v. Maryland · ¶10

From these Conventions the constitution derives its whole authority. The government proceeds di* rectly from the people 5 is u ordained and established ” in the name of the people; and is declared to be or- - dained, “ in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice,,ensure domestic tranquillity, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and to their posterity.” The assent of the States, in their sovereign capacity, is implied in calling a Convention, and thus submitting that instrument to the people. But the people were at perfect liberty to accept or reject it;.and their act was final. It required not the affirmance, and could not be negatived, by the State, governments. The' constitution, when thus adopted, was of complete obligation, and bound the State sovereignties.

U. S. Reports, bound volume
U. S. Reports, volume 17, at 316 (Library of Congress) · transcription: Caselaw Access Project
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